Indian campaign ends as Kashyap loses in semi-final

NEW DELHI, Apr 28:India's P Kashyap's gritty performance before losing to world No 17 Shon Wan Ho of Korea in a three-game thriller to draw curtains on Indian campaign at the Yonex Sunrise India Open Super Series, here today.Thirteen ranking points separated the two but Olympic bound Kashyap showed a lot of gumption during his 71-minute battle against the Korean before losing by 14-21 21-19 16-21 margin at the Siri fort stadium here.Kashyap played long rallies and made some brilliant returns but he left enough opening for his rival to capitalise as the Korean lead 11-7 at the break. The Korean exploited the Indian's weakness and extended the lead to 18-11 before sealing it with a roaring smash from the mid-court.In the second game, Wan once again opened up a narrow 4-1 lead. Kashyap tried to break Wan Ho's rhythm and caught up with the Korean at 10-10, much to the delight of the vociferous crowd and then surged ahead 18-16 with a couple of cross-court smashes.The Korean clawed back at 18-18 but he faltered at the fag end as Kashyap closed the game at 21-19.In the decider, Wan Ho committed some unforced errors early on to allow Kashyap to lead 5-2 but he drew parity at 7-7 and with Kashyap faltering at the net, the Korean lead 11-10 at the break.After the change of ends, Wan Ho extended the lead to 15-11 before moving on to 18-12, courtesy unforced errors on Kashyap's part.Kashyap did play a few splendid shots as well but in the end it was the Korean who had the last laugh. (PTI)