Korea Open Superseries: Ajay Jayaram reaches quarterfinal; B Sai Praneeth crashes out

Seoul: Ajay Jayaram emerged as the lone survivor at the Korea Open after nothing up a convincing straight-game win over China's Huang Yuxiang to advance to the quarterfinals of men's singles of the Super Series event here on Thursday.

World No. 27 Indian, seeded ninth, defeated Huang 21-15 21-18 in a 40-minute battle. He had beaten him at the Canada Open last year.

Jayaram thus set up a clash with Korean Lee Hyun Il tomorrow.

B Sai Praneeth however suffered a 9-21 15-21 loss to sixth seed Korean Son Wan Ho in a 34-minute match.

Jayaram and Huang got engaged in a fierce battle till 7-7. But the Indian soon broke off with five straight points to create a gulf which the Chinese could not breach and Jayaram pocketed the opening game.

In the second game, Jayaram dished out a dominating display to manage a 13-7 lead at one stage before the Chinese shuttler came back to narrow it down to 12-14. But Jayaram could hung on the slight edge and managed to stave off the challenge.

"I was winning comfortably. But got a bit close in the second. Quite happy with the way I played today. Was moving well and did well to mix my attack. A slightly nervous finish but delighted to pull through in the end and make it through to the quarters," Jayaram said.

"Up against Lee Hyun Il tomorrow. A difficult opponent to play against, but I'm feeling good and looking to keep up the momentum," he added.