Lee Chong Wei fights off a gallant Kashyap to reach the semi-finals

India’s Parupalli Kashyap gave a glowing account of his immense fighting qualities but he was facing a formidable opponent in Lee Chong Wei who had all the answers to the difficult questions posed by the 25 year old Indian. The silver medallist from Beijing was a hurdle too high for the Indian and despite being tested severely in the first game, the world No.1 prevailed 21-19 21-11 in 47 minutes.

If Kashyap’s quarter-finals against Lee Chong Wei was an expedition to an unconquered peak, the young Indian lad set out on the journey with the calm and agility of a mountaineer who does it for a living. Riding a crest of inspiration he made a rousing start to take a 5-1 lead.

Just to affirm that this was no flash in the pan, Kashyap dictated play for much of the early stages by pushing the Malaysian deep into the left corner before finishing the point with a forehand jab into the forecourt.

Even as the world No. 2 worked his way back patiently by extending the rallies and forcing the Indian into defence, Kashyap put up spirited resistance to retain a slender lead all the way 19-18. But just when it mattered most, Lee found the cross court smash that left Kashyap sprawling on the court and catapulted the Malaysian into the lead for the first time.

Unfortunately for the Indian, it was game point to his opponent. Lee brought his power to bear and even though the Indian did his best to defend gallantly, Lee was lording over the net and a smash into the body ended the intense contest 21-19 in favour of the Malaysian.

Despite the narrow loss, Kashyap betrayed any sense of disappointment to present a positive face to his formidable opponent. The Indian won the first point of the second game with a powerfully struck forehand smash to the left of his opponent.

But Lee had found his rhythm by now and his strokes were finding sharp angles, the brute power on them was only adding to the Indian’s growing woe. With his nose in front, the Malaysian was a looking like a different player from the first game even as he raced away to an ominous 9-4 lead. The clock was ticking quicker for Kashyap when the players took the short break at 11-6.

The match was drifting away, when Chong Wei underlined his growing command by taking a 14-8 lead with a moment of deception – leaping high into the air as if shaping to smash, the world No. 2 varied his pace brilliantly to drop the bird limply into the forecourt with a gentle touch.

A backhand crosscourt smash with the shuttle behind him took Lee to 18-8, just three points from a well-deserved spot in the last four of the Olympics. Kashyap saved the first match point with a smash directed straight to the Malaysian, but at the second time of asking Kashyap found the net with his backhand to finish his tournament on a fighting note.

Kashyap may have failed to emulate the feat of his team mate and friend Saina Nehwal, who has earned a shot at the medals, he has certainly won a million hearts with his spirited show at the London games.