Sam Walker’s first experience of the WTT Grand Smash ended in defeat in a deciding game to Iran’s Amir Hossein Hodaei in Singapore today.

Walker led his opponent 2-1, but was unable to convert the lead into a victory as his opponent, ranked 152 in the world, came back to win 3-2 (11-7, 9-11, 9-11, 11-7, 11-6) in their second qualifying round tie.

England’s only other representative at the inaugural Grand Smash event is Liam Pitchford, who has been seeded through to the main draw, which begins on Friday. He will face Marcelo Aguirre of Paraguay (WR 53) in the last 64.