Ajay Jayaram Takes Down World No 7 To Reach Korea Open Final

Ajay Jayaram in action during the Korea Open. (Photo: PTI)

World no. 37 Ajay Jayaram continued his rampaging run at the Korea Open with yet another upset in the semifinals. This one coming against world no. 7 Chou Tien Chen of the Chinese Taipei as the 27-year-old forged his way into the final of the USD 600,000 Super Series event.

The Bangalore-based shuttler won the semifinal 21-19 21-15 in a 43-minute against the same opponent to whom he had lost in the German Open and US Open earlier this season.

Jayaram will now face World No. 1 Chen Long of China in the final.

Ajay Jayaram in action during the Korea Open. (Photo: PTI)

Jayaram possibly remembered his wins against Chen in Thailand and Japan in 2011 and 2013 when he took to the court as he opened up a 11-8 lead at one stage. The Taiwanese player turned the tables with a seven-point burst but the Indian was determined enough to stave off the challenge and soon pocketed the game to lead 1-0.

Brimming in confidence, Jayaram produced a more dominating show in the second game as he surged to 3-0 early on and then moved into the interval with a 11-7 lead.

Chen once again clawed back at 12-12 and lead 15-14.

However, Jayaram didn’t allow him to come any closer as he reeled off six points to seal the match.

Jayaram had reached the semi-finals of Malaysia Masters Grand Prix Gold, Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold and Russian Open Grand Prix this season.