KYLE Edmund hasn't been able to follow up his quarter-final appearance in last week's Brisbane International.
The Yorkshireman, who was 22 on Sunday, defeated sixth seed Lucas Pouille (France) and took a set off second seed Stan Wawrinka (Switzerland) in the last eight.
But the world No 45 from Beverley was beaten 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (7-5) by 25-year-old Australian qualifier Matthew Barton in the first round of the Apia International Sydney.
Edmund and home-town hero Barton had one break point opportunity in the first set, neither of which was taken, but Edmund's best chance came when he had a set point at 5-4 in the second set.
It was the second biggest result of Barton's career, following his defeat of world No 32 Steve Johnson in Auckland a year ago.
Barton also qualified for Wimbledon and the AEGON Ilkley Trophy last year, winning a round at Wimbledon.
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