Press Trust of India
Seoul, Sept 19: Shuttler Ajay Jayaram continued his rampaging run Saturday at the Korea Open Super Series badminton tournament here, notching up a sensational straight-game upset victory over World No 7 Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei to storm into the final of the USD 6,00,000 event.
Long forgotten in the Indian badminton corridors, the 27-year-old Bangalore-based created ripples after prevailing over Chen 21-19, 21-15 in a 43-minute men’s singles semifinal match.
Beaten twice this season by the same opponent at German Open and US Open, world No 32 Jayaram carried those scars as an armour into the match as he dominated the proceedings to eventually set up a summit clash with World No. 1 Chen Long of China.
Jayaram possibly remembered his wins against Chen in Thailand and Japan in 2011 and 2013 when he took to the court as he opened up an 11-8 lead at one stage. However, the Taipei player came back strongly with a seven-point burst to lead 15-11. However, the Indian was determined enough to stave off the challenge and soon pocketed the game to lead 1-0.
Brimming in confidence, Jayaram produced a more dominating show in the second game as he surged to 3-0 early on and then moved into the interval with a 11-7 lead.
Chen once again clawed back at 12-12 and lead 15-14. However, Jayaram didn’t allow him to come any closer as he reeled off six points to seal the match.
Jayaram had reached the semifinals of Malaysia Masters Grand Prix Gold, Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold and Russian Open Grand Prix this season.
The Indian shuttler described his win as a ‘huge’ one and is now looking forward to the final. “A huge win for me today (Saturday). Both strategically and mentally I did a good job. I had lost twice to him earlier this year,” Jayaram stated after the match.
“I was much more patient today and opened out the rallies well. I controlled the game well at the net and mixed my attack nicely. Even though he took a sizeable lead in the first game, I did not change my strategy. It paid off and I am definitely excited to be in my first Super Series final. But I know it is going to be tough against the World No. 1,” Jayaram added.
Path to final
(Pre-quarters) bt Wong Ki Vincent 17-21, 21-15, 21-15
(Quarters) bt Sho Sasaki 21-19, 16-21, 21-16
(Semis) bt Chou Tien Chen 21-19, 21-15
Caption
