Former national champion Parupalli Kashyap bagged his first international title in over three years when the 31-year-old defeated Malaysia’s June Wei Cheam 23-21, 21-14 in the men’s singles final of the Austrian Open International Challenge badminton tournament in Basel on Saturday.
The 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medallist who had battled with injuries in the last few years, did not drop a game in the Austrian Open.
However, it was not an easy outing in the final against world number 126 Cheam as the Malaysian youngster kept pace with Kashyap in the first game and the Indian had to save three game points before pocketing the first game.
Kashyap, who had reached the final of the US Open Grand Prix Gold last year, was in control in the second game and sealed the title in 37 minutes.
Earlier, the world number 44 had hammered Estonia’s Raul Must 21-18, 21-4 in the semifinals.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!