Korea Open: Ajay Jayaram reaches quarter-finals, Sai Praneeth knocked out

Seoul: Ajay Jayaram emerged as the lone survivor at the Korea Open after notching up a convincing straight-game win over China’s Huang Yuxiang to advance to the quarter-finals of men’s singles of the Super Series event on Thursday. World No 27 Indian, seeded ninth, defeated Huang 21-15 21-18 in a 40-minute battle. He had beaten him at the Canada Open last year. [caption id=“attachment_3027172” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] File photo of Ajay Jayaram. AFP[/caption] Jayaram thus 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 got engaged in a fierce battle till 7-7. But the Indian soon broke off with five straight points to create a gulf which the Chinese could not breach and Jayaram pocketed the opening game. In the second game, 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 could 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.