Jayaram Takes on BAI After Reaching Spain Masters SF Without Coach

Jayaram had defeated compatriot and former world No.1 Kidambi Srikanth en route the semifinal.

(Photo: IANS)

Indian challenge at the Barcelona Spain Masters ended on Saturday with shuttler Ajay Jayaram's defeat in the men's singles semi-final.

Jayaram lost 20-22, 12-21 to Thailand's Kunlavut Vitidsarin in a match that lasted 39 minutes. Jayaram had defeated compatriot and former world No.1 Kidambi Srikanth en route the semifinal.

Reportedly, Jayaram played the semi-final match without a coach. And the young shuttler was quick to point it out on Twitter after the match.

The official Twitter handle of Badminton Association of India (BAI) tweeted saying, " Tough Luck...well played Ajay! Let's look at more of such finishes."

The tweet prompted Jayaram to ask for more support from the association.

Apart from the reply from Jayaram, the tweet also angered a section of badminton fans who questioned the association’s intention to not provide Jayaram with a coach.

Earlier on Friday, Saina Nehwal crashed out of the $170,000 Barcelona Spain Masters after she lost 20-22, 19-21 to Thailand's Busanan Ongbamrungphan in the quarterfinal.

The defeats came as a blow to both Saina and Srikanth who are facing an uphill battle to improve their rankings and secure Olympic qualification.