Rafael Nadal-Parera's bold bid to become the youngest player since Bjorn Borg to reach the fourth round of the men's singles at Wimbledon ended on Friday when he was beaten 6-4 6-4 6-2 by Thai Paradorn Srichaphan.

The Spaniard, who turned 17 earlier this month, eventually succumbed but not before providing the enthralled court one crowd with a tantalising glimpse of the future.

After an error-strewn opening set, Nadal appeared to have gained the upper hand in the second when he broke to lead 4-2. But, for once looking like a raw teenager, he threw away his advantage and was swiftly punished.

Battle-hardened 12th seed Paradorn, looking increasingly dangerous after scrambling through the first two rounds in five sets, broke twice in a row to gain a two-set lead and romped through the third with some trademark forehand bombs.

Paradorn, who is in the fourth round of a grand slam for the first time, faces a mouthwatering clash with bookmakers' favourite Andy Roddick for a place in the quarter-finals.



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