New Delhi: Ajay Jayaram emerged as the lone Indian at the Korea Open after a convincing straight-games win over China’s Huang Yuxiang to advance to the quarterfinals of the men’s singles of the Super Series badminton event in Seoul on Thursday.
The world No.27 defeated Huang 21-15, 21-18 in a 40-minute battle to set up a clash with Korean Lee Hyun Il. B. Sai Praneeth however suffered a 9-21, 15-21 loss to sixth seed Korean Son Wan Ho.
Jayaram and Huang were engaged in a fierce battle till 7-7. But the Indian broke free with five straight points to create a gulf, which the Chinese could not breach and Jayaram pocketed the opening game.
In the second, Jayaram dished out a dominating display to manage a 13-7 lead at one stage before the Chinese shuttler came back to narrow it down to 12-14. But Jayaram hung on the slight edge and managed to stave off the challenge. “I was winning comfortably. But got a bit close in the second. Quite happy with the way I played today. Was moving well and did well to mix my attack,”Jayaram said.
