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India’s Ajay Jayaram succumbed in his maiden Superseries Final on Sunday, losing to Chen Long of China in straight games 21-14 21-13. Speaking after the defeat, the 27-year-old Indian admitted that the contest against the numero uno ranked player in the world was going to be a difficult one and despite a good start, couldnt handle the pressure put on him by the opponent.
"I knew it was going to be hard. I started off well by mixing my attack from the back and the net. But he got back more shuttles than I expected. I found it difficult to sustain the pressure," Jayaram said, as quoted by the Times of India.
Expectedly, Jayaram was slightly sad over the loss and felt that his failure to capitalise on the opportunities that came his way played a role in his downfall.
“I did have couple of chances which I felt I couldn't capitalise on. All credit to Chen Long though. He played a percentage game and didn't falter. Definitely a little disappointed I couldn't go all the way ," he said.
The runners-up finish at the comeptition was by far, Jayaram’s best performance of the year so far and the shuttler hoped to come back stronger at the next tournament in whoch he competes.
“Still it's been a wonderful week for me. Got some good wins against top players and this is much needed confidence for me. Next month I will be competing in the European circuit. I hope to get a few good weeks of training and do well there. I do have a few areas to work on. Hope to comeback stronger," Jayaram said.
Despite finishing second best at the competition, it was an extremely commendable performance from the Chennai-born shuttler who beat the likes of Viktor Axelson and Chou Tien Chen in the opening round and semifinals respectively, en route to the final.
With India already having two shuttlers in Kidambi Srikanth and Parupalli Kashyap in the Top 10 of the Men’s Rankings, it would be extremely welcoming if Jayaram can attain consistency in his performance and climb up some more spots in the rankings and also, boost his chances further of a possible berth at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
