Gasquet ousted in Shanghai first round, dealing blow to chances of qualifying for ATP Finals

Canada's Vasek Pospisil watches his return against Richard Gasquet of France at the first round of the Shanghai Masters tennis tournament at Qizhong Forest Sports City Tennis Center in Shanghai, China, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2013. Pospisil won 6-3, 6-4. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) (The Associated Press)

Andreas Seppi of Italy tosses the ball to serve against Lleyton Hewitt of Australia at their singles match of the Shanghai Masters tennis tournament at Qizhong Forest Sports City Tennis Center, in Shanghai, China, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2013. Seppi won 6-4, 6-2. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) (The Associated Press)

SHANGHAI – Richard Gasquet was dealt a setback in his bid to qualify for the season-ending ATP Finals, losing to Vasek Pospisil of Canada 6-3, 6-4 on Tuesday in the first round of the Shanghai Masters.

The Frenchman, who played in the year-end championships in 2007, is in ninth place in the standings, just 20 points behind Stanislas Wawrinka for the last spot in the eight-man field for London.

Play was disrupted for the second straight day due to heavy rain from the remnants of Typhoon Fitow, which made landfall in southern China early Monday and moved north over Shanghai.

Matches in the main stadium were played with the roof closed, while those scheduled for outer courts were moved to an indoor facility so organizers could attempt to finish the first round on Tuesday.

In other matches, Italy's Andreas Seppi defeated Lleyton Hewitt 6-4, 6-2, and Tommy Robredo of Spain beat countryman Albert Montanes 6-4, 6-1.