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Journalism of Courage
Commonwealth Games bronze-medallist shuttler P Kashyap continued his rampaging run and notched up a straight-game victory over Hans-Kristian Vittinghus of Denmark to enter the semifinals of the Indonesia Super Series Premier in Jakarta today.
World number 26 Kashyap,who had stunned top seed Chen Long to reach the quarterfinals yesterday,saw off Vittinghus — ranked 16 — 21-15 21-14 in a 39-minute men’s singles match.
The 25-year-old from Hyderabad,who qualified for the London Olympics during the India Open Super Series in New Delhi,matched his rival at the fore court and used his sharp smashes to tame Vittinghus.
Kashyap took early initiative and moved to a 10-6 lead. Vittinghus narrowed down the gap a couple of times but the Indian,with his 17 smash winners,was too good for the Dane.
In the second game,the duo fought tooth and nail till 9-9,before Kashyap once again moved ahead and held fort to earn his place at the semifinals.
“It was not an easy match. I was finding it difficult to control the shuttle. In Asia,especially in Indonesia and Singapore,the drift plays a role and I am happy I played well overall today,” said Kashyap.
“I scored off my pushes and net play. My strokes were coming good. I didn’t commit errors and I was putting pressure on him at the net and my drops and smashes were sharp,” he added.
Asked about his next match,Kashyap said: “I am just happy to win today. I haven’t thought about tomorrow’s match. I will talk to Gopi sir and prepare accordingly. I had played against him in Thomas Cup this year and hope to play well tomorrow.”
