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Jayaram crashes out of Malaysia Open Grand Prix

Young Indian shuttler Ajay Jayaram put up a spirited fight before going down to world number one Lee Chong Wei in the semi-final of the Malaysia Open Grand Prix in Johor Bahru, Malaysia on Saturday.

New Delhi: Young Indian shuttler Ajay Jayaram put up a spirited fight before going down to world number one Lee Chong Wei in the semi-final of the Malaysia Open Grand Prix in Johor Bahru, Malaysia on Saturday.
Jayaram, who won the Smiling Fish International Series in May, lost 16-21, 13-21, to the top seeded Malaysian in 31 minutes. The 14th seed Jayaram, who played some brilliant badminton in the tournament so far, started off well and opened up a 4-1 lead but Lee`s used his experience to first drew level at 6-6 and then move ahead. The 23-year-old Indian tried his best and narrowed it down to 14-15 but Lee soon smashed his way to pocket the first game. In the second game, Jayaram again surged ahead with a 5-1 lead but Lee reeled off four straight points to draw parity. The Indian made a last ditch effort and at one stage was 11-all when Lee broke free as Jayaram`s game crumbled. In the summit clash, Lee will take on fourth seed compatriot Wong Choong Hann, who ended Indonesian Taufik Hidayat`s run with a 21-15, 24-22 victory in the other semi-final. PTI