The Sedgefield light welterweight, who routed the same opponent at last year's World Championships 30-13 on points, admitted he struggled to take on Frankie Gavin's mantle as Britain's brightest medal hope.

And 22-year-old Saunders revealed he is enjoying life in the slow lane after boiling over to lose 11-7 in Beijing.

"I have been training now for over two years for this Olympics and losing took a big weight of my shoulders," said Saunders.

"The last two weeks have been brilliant here but it will be nice to have a break."

The World Amateur Championship bronze medalist entered the ring a bundle of nerves and it played straight into Vastine's hands.

The Frenchman took a critical 7-3 lead within two rounds and knowing only a knockout would bring victory; the European bronze medalist became increasingly desperate, allowing Vastine to jab his way to victory.

With middleweight Billy Joe Saunders also exiting yesterday, the magnificent eight is now down to four with David Price and Tony Jeffries already confirmed in the quarter finals.

Boxing chief Terry Edwards said:"We had a very young talented team come out here and maybe the expectations were too high for some of them."

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