Badminton: Kashyap falters at Indonesia Open semi-finals

New Delhi: Olympic-bound Indian shuttler P Kashyap failed to cross the semi-final hurdle of Indonesia Open after suffering a straight-game defeat against world number nine Simon Santoso in the men's singles competition in Jakarta on Saturday.

The World number 26 Indian was erratic and also struggled at the nets to go down 15-21, 12-21 to Simon in a 46-minute match at Istora Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.

Kashyap matched Simon initially but the Indonesian broke the Indian's game plan and moved into the break at 11-10. Simon varied the pace of the rallies and pushed Kashyap into committing mistakes to lead 14-13.

The World No. 26 Indian was erratic and also struggled at the nets to go down 15-21, 12-21 to Simon Santoso.

Simon had a better idea of the court and made some sound line judgments. With Kashyap faltering at the nets and his strokes going wide, it allowed Simon to enjoy a five-point cushion at 20-15. Another mistake with a cross court net shot and Simon was leading the match 1-0.

In the second game, Kashyap opened up an early lead at 6-3 but Simon clawed back with three consecutive points. The Indian player used his smashes and drops to restore the lead at 9-8, but Simon once again wrested an 11-9 lead at the break.

With Kashyap struggling with his net play and inaccurate strokes, Simon moved to a 15-11 lead. The Indian shuttler was also late in reacting to some shots as Simon reeled off five straight points to move to the match point at 20-12 and with Kashyap failing to judge a drop shot; it was all over for the Indian.

Kashyap will next play in the Singapore Open from June 19 to 24 at Singapore City.

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