The Hindu : Sport / Badminton : Kashyap cruises ahead

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Sport - Badminton

Kashyap cruises ahead

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Thrilling action was at a premium in Commonwealth Games badminton when the open events commenced on Saturday.

None of the leading names were in action, having gained a first-round bye, in their respective sections.

P. Kashyap was the only one to take the court in singles and duly won in just 11 minutes against Falkland Islands' Michael Brownlee by posting a 21-8, 21-3 triumph.

“It was an easy win for me. I was relaxed and delayed the shots to generate the right momentum,'' said Kashyap.

Looking ahead

Probed further about his prospects in the singles, Kashyap said, “I am not really focussing on the medal. The quarterfinal will be tough as I play Malaysia's Muhammad Hafiz Hashim. If I get past him , I will face Rajiv Ouseph, whom I have beaten in the team event. I want to reach the final and face Lee Chong Wei to show him how much better I can play,” he added.

The two irregular mixed doubles pairs also kept the home interest alive with easy, predictable victories. Sanave Thomas and Aparna Balan won 21-9, 21-13 against Australia's Glenn Warfe and Tane He Tain in 17 minutes.

Rupesh Kumar and Ashwini Ponappa demolished Seychelles' Steve Hansley and Camille Alisen 21-8, 21-14 in only 14 minutes. “It was a comfortable match. But as I have not played too many matches, I want to play more matches and against tough opponents,” Ashwini said.

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