Jeju (Korea): Parupalli Kashyap advanced to the semifinals of the Korea Open Grand Prix Gold badminton tournament after edging past Korea’s Jeon Hyeok Jin in a three-game thriller here Friday.
Kashyap, who is on a comeback trail after recovering his fitness following a long injury lay-off, defeated sixth seed Jin 18-21, 21-8, 21-16 in a nearly one-hour men’s singles contest. The Indian will now face Korean top seed Son Wan Ho, Sunday.
Kashyap blew a 9-5 and 11-8 lead at one stage to allow Jin win the first game. But in the second game, Kashyap got back his bearing and his all-round game improved tremendously. Using the half-smash and drops to telling effect, Kashyap won the game easily to restore parity.
In the decider, Jin changed gears and zoomed to a 9-3 lead but Kashyap showed tremendous grit as he crafted his way back to draw level at 11-11 and grab a 13-11 lead. He then increased the advantage and closed out the game and the match comfortably.
Kashyap said he was happy to have beaten a player who had reached the Australian Open Super Series finals earlier this year. “He used to be in the top 20, so I am satisfied with the way I played,” Kashyap stated.
Press Trust of India
