Korea Open: Last-8 berth for Ajay Jayaram, Sai Praneeth out

Ajay Jayaram en route to his 21-15, 21-18 win over China’s Huang Yuxiang in their Korea Open second round match in Seoul on Thursday.

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 quarter-finals of the men’s singles of the Super Series 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 on Friday.

B. Sai Praneeth however suffered a 9-21, 15-21 loss to sixth seed Korean Son Wan Ho in a 34-minute match.

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. A slightly nervous finish but delighted to pull through in the end and make it through to the quarters,” Jayaram said.

“Up against Lee Hyun Il tomorrow. A difficult opponent to play against, but I’m feeling good and looking to keep up the momentum,” he added.