World number 24 Dominik Hrbaty has pulled out of the China Open ATP tennis tournament due to injury, announced the organizing committee in Beijing on Monday.

The Slovakian, seeded fifth here but failing to show up for the annual tourney in Beijing, called from the United States to confirm his withdrawal late on Monday and cited a back sprain as his excuse.

Toshihide Matsui from Japan, who was beaten 6-4, 7-6 (10) by Chinese Zeng Shaoxuan earlier Monday, became the lucky loser to face China's wildcard Sun Peng in Tuesday's first round.

Wang Yu, another Chinese entering the tournament with a wildcard who should meet Hrbaty according to the original draw, will take Luka Gregorc instead as the Slovenian rallied past Chinese Yu Xinyuan 6-7 (5), 6-1, 6-2 in the qualifying round.

(Xinhua News Agency September 13, 2005)