Macau Open: Gurusaidutt shocks 7th seed Rumbaka to storm into quarterfinals

India’s RMV Gurusaidutt created a flutter when he upstaged seventh seed Dionysius Hayom Rumbaka of Indonesia 21-13, 21-18 to cruise into the quarterfinals of the Macau Open Badminton Championship.

The 51st ranked Indian, who trains at the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy, wrested the initiative from the word go against the 25th ranked Indonesian. He came up with nifty display at the net as well as engaged in smart play in rallies to pocket the opening game at 21-13.

He maintained the momentum in the second game, although he had to weather some serious resistance from Rumbaka before prevailing 21-18 in a contest that lasted 40 minutes.

Gurusaidutt next takes on Hong Kong’s world number 55 Yan Kit Chan in the quarterfinals.

Chan has a 2-1 career head-to-head advantage against the Indian.

Another Indian K Srikanth also romped into the quarterfinals.

The 109th ranked youngster from India got the better of Choong Hann Wong of Malaysia 21-17, 15-21, 21-12 in a pre-quarterfinal match.

He now plays Hong Kong’s world number 90 Nan Wei for a berth in the semifinals.