Ferrero hurts bid for No. 1 ranking

HOUSTON, Nov. 10 (UPI) -- Juan Carlos Ferrero hurt his chances of being the world No. 1 player Monday when he lost, 6-3, 6-1, to David Nalbandian at the Tennis Masters Cup.

The second-ranked Ferrero,the French Open champ, put in a listless performance against No. 8 Nalbandian.

"I think this is the first match in the whole year that I play like this," Ferrero said. "I think it is one of those days."

Ferrero, who was No. 1 in September before being ousted by U.S. Open champion Andy Roddick, still has an opportunity to end in the top spot.

If Ferrero, who was a finalist at the U.S. Open, goes 2-1 in this round-robin competition while Roddick fails to reach the semifinals, the Spaniard could end the year as No. 1.

Also, Ferrero could capture the year-end No. 1 ranking if he beats Roddick in the final.