Parupalli Kashyap upsets world no.10 in Hong Kong Open

India’s top-ranked men’s singles player, Parupalli Kashyap continued the country’s impressive run in the Yonex Sunrise Hong Kong Open Badminton Championship.

Kashyap, ranked 23rd in the world, overpowered seventh seed and world number 10 Jan O Jorgensen of Denmark 24-22, 20-22, 22-20 to romp into the second round.

Kashyap, who reached the semifinals of the China Open last week, continued his rich vein of form against Jorgensen.

The London Olympics singles quarter finalist wrested the initiative from the word go, fighting tooth and nail against his higher ranked shuttler.

Kashyap used both the flanks to good effect, unsettling the Denmark player, who started to commit unforced errors at crucial times.

It was a battle of attrition as Kashyap battled hard to win the opening game at 24-22.

The Indian had the psychological advantage of being one game up going into the second game. The onus was on Jorgensen to pull up his socks and stay competitive in the second game.

The Danish exuded nerves of steel even though the odds were stacked against him, outsmarting Kashyap in some rallies as well as at the net to pocket the second game at 22-20.

The decider was an absorbing tussle. It became a no-holds-barred contest as both players gave nothing away. Kashyap played like a seasoned pro, winning the big points consistently and forcing his opponent to commit unforced errors.

The Indian closed out the match, winning the decider at 22-20.

Kashyap’s upset win over Jorgensen brought a ring of happiness in the Indian camp, which earlier witnessed Ajay Jayaram spike the guns of world number 17 Wang Zhengming in another opening round match.

Jayaram will now take on the top seed Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia in the second round tomorrow.

Earlier, in the women’s singles, Saina Nehwal also breezed into the women’s singles second round.