Korea Masters 2018: Parupalli Kashyap, Sourabh Verma lose in first round

With Ajay Jayaram and Sri Krishna Priya Kudaravalli pulling out of the tournament, it was in the hands of Parupalli Kashyap and Sourabh Verma to keep the Indian flag flying at the Korea Masters 2018. But both failed to impress when it mattered the most.

A former World number 6 and current World number 52, Parupalli Kashyap put up a great fight against the local favourite and World number 22 Lee Dong Keun of Korea. But he eventually went down 17-21, 21-13, 8-21 in a match that lasted an hour and 19 minutes.

After losing the first game 21-17, Kashyap showed great control in the rallies to take an 11-5 lead in the second game. Lee tried to close the gap, but from 16-13 up Kashyap won five straight points to take the second game 21-13.

In the third game, Lee Dong Keun's attacking game didn't allow Kashyap any chance to stay in the match as Lee went on win it 21-8.

With Sameer Verma showing great form recently, his elder brother Sourabh Verma was expected to be inspired as well and make a statement at this tournament. Ranked 50th in the world, Sourabh went down to World number 108 Eetu Heino of Finland 13-21, 21-12, 18-21 in a match lasting 50 minutes .

Tournament favourite and World No. 6, Son Wan Ho of Korea defeated Panji Ahmed Maulana of Indonesia 21-15, 21-11 to proceed to the pre-quarter-finals.

This was Kashyap's last tournament before he ties the knot with star India shuttler Saina Nehwal on December 16. Kashyap will be seen playing for the Chennai Smashers at the Premier Badminton League 2018, starting from December 22. Sourabh too will next be seen in action at the PBL, playing for the Ahmedabad Smash Masters.