Srikanth`s singles defeat rankles captain Kashyap

Their quarter-finals hopes dashed following a 2-3 defeat against Korea, captain Parupalli Kashyap rued Kidambi Srikanth`s defeat in the first singles that led to India`s ouster from the tournament, here today.

New Delhi: Their quarter-finals hopes dashed following a 2-3 defeat against Korea, captain Parupalli Kashyap rued Kidambi Srikanth`s defeat in the first singles that led to India`s ouster from the tournament, here on Monday.

Srikanth squandered a one-game advantage to go down fighting 21-17 12-21 18-21 to the world number nine Wan Ho Son. India`s next tie against Germany on Wednesday has been rendered inconsequential. "I am disappointed with our performance. We had our chances. Today had Srikanth won his match, it would have been different. We knew Gurusaidutt is in form. I also won today, so we could have pulled it off," an upset Kashyap said. Gurusaidutt, the only player to have won his singles matches against both Malaysia and Korea, chose not to be harsh on his teammate. "Srikanth`s match was very important but he could not win it. He tried his heart out. It was really close today. I am happy with my win but disappointed that the team lost. But I think this is all part of the game," said Gurusaidutt. "The strategy today was to win all three singles matches. But sometimes it goes wrong. Srikanth gave his best today but eventually lost. First doubles also, they tried their best." Kashyap won 21-17 21-14 against Dong Keun Lee while Gurusaidutt got the better of Hwang Jong Soo 24-22 21-13. Both the players said the team will be very positive when they lock horns with Germany. Tomorrow is a rest day for the Indian men`s side. "Germany played well against Korea. But still we are very positive. The guy I will be facing (Dieter Domke), I have 100 per cent record against him. We will look to get on to a positive note against Germany," said World No.21 Kashyap. Gurusaidutt added, "We will bounce back against Germany. Tomorrow is an off day for us. So, we will relax a bit. I definitely think the team can bounce back. We won two matches today against Korea. We know that we had a chance. Germany?s doubles team is also equal for us, so certainly we have a chance to beat Germany. "I am all geared up to give my best against Germany. I will be looking forward to play my match and be at my best." Srikanth said a few errors made all the difference today. "I should have won the tie. I had played against him earlier and won close matches. Today a few mistakes made the difference," said the 18th ranked Indian. "There was pressure on me as I knew I had to win my match. I need to go back and sit with Gopi (national coach Pullela Gopichand) Sir to discuss my game," he said. Elaborating on his match today, Kashyap said he was more calm and patient today as compared to his match against Malaysia yesterday. "Yesterday I could not get the result as I was desperate to open the account for my team but today I was more patient. From the start, I knew that I needed to be calm and I was very patient. "Yesterday, despite having a bad outing, I was confident that I would bounce back. Yesterday also I started well but I was too keen to finish things off quickly and in the process let my opponent come back into the game. Today also I started well, but in the middle my rival caught up with me. However, I stayed calm throughout the match and that worked well for me," explained Kashyap. "As compared to yesterday, today even the court was little slower," he concluded.