Safin shunted in Shanghai

Marat Safin's Masters Cup chances took a heavy blow on Wednesday when the mighty Russian threw away a one-set lead to crumble 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 to Spain's Albert Costa.

The Russian is still not technically eliminated from the $3.7 million season-ending finale, but his chances of qualifying from the Red Group now look bleak. Safin lost to another Spaniard, Carlos Moya, on the first day of action.

Costa, beaten by world number one Lleyton Hewitt on Tuesday, proved too consistent for Safin who blew hot and cold at the New Shanghai International Expo Centre as the Spaniard recorded his first indoor victory of the season.

Peppering the lines with heavy groundstrokes, the French Open champion drew his opponent into long, protracted rallies as he hauled himself into the match after Safin had blitzed the opener.

Not even a brief disruption in the third set when lights surrounding the court went out could dent his concentration and determination.

"Sometimes matches can be decided in just a couple of points and I fought and fought," Costa said.

"Fighting is easy for me. Maybe I am fresher than the other guys here. Not so confident but more fresh because I have played fewer matches.

"I had a back injury and did not get wins indoors this season.

"The surface here is good for me... it is a hardcourt but it is fair," the claycourt specialist said.

Safin had no excuses.

"I was a set up and serving well and everything was going good, but then he worked his way back into the match," he said.

"The balls are fluffing up and I am at the mercy of baseliners ... I can not play my fast game."

Hewitt and group leader Moya clash later on Wednesday, while Andre Agassi takes on Jiri Novak in his first Gold Group match.