Wimbledon 2014: James Ward given mauling in first round

The Brit won just five games against Mikhail Youzhny

James Ward in action at Wimbledon (GETTY IMAGES)

James Ward's Wimbledon adventure was cut short by merciless Russian 17th seed Mikhail Youzhny.

On day one of the championships, Youzhny triumphed in straight sets against the British wild-card entry on Court Three.

Youzhny routed world number 154 Ward 6-2 6-2 6-1 in the first round, condemning the 27-year-old Londoner to a comprehensive defeat.

Ward was the second Briton to bow out, after Johanna Konta had earlier lost 6-4 3-6 6-4 to China's Shuai Peng.

Prior to Wimbledon, Ward was dumped out of Queen's Club action by eventual champion Grigor Dimitrov, before suffering a frustrating loss to American Donald Young at Eastbourne.

Taking on world number 16 Youzhny proved a bridge too far for the British number three, who was unable to assert any pressure on the 31-year-old's serve.

PA