Andre Agassi's chances of qualifying for the season-ending Masters Cup suffered a setback after losing 6-3, 3-6, 6-7 (4-7) to Thomas Johansson in the final yesterday.
The veteran American will head to this week's Paris Masters as one of four players battling to fill the three remaining places at the November 15-22 Masters Cup in Houston.
Briton Tim Henman, Russian Marat Safin, and David Nalbandian, of Argentina, are the others hoping to join Swiss Roger Federer, American Andy Roddick, Australian Lleyton Hewitt, Spain's Carlos Moya and Gaston Gaudio, of Argentina, who have already booked their spots.
"It has to be one match at a time in Paris. I have to plan it day by day," said Agassi who will be seeded fifth in the French capital.
"I need time for this loss to sink in. I'm disappointed, but hopefully I can have a great year next year. I'm not worried about much else right now."
Agassi, who stormed through the opening set, slowly lost momentum as he fell to an inspired comeback by Johansson, who lifted the home title four years ago.
The local hero secured the eighth title of his career at the expense of the American veteran.
Johansson, 29, was celebrating his comeback to top form after missing all of last year with knee surgery.
It was first title since taking the Australian Open nearly three years ago.
The win denied Agassi a 60th career title.
Tennis: Agassi has Masters Cup in sights
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