R.M.V Gurusaidutt through to the quarterfinals of Indonesia Open 2013

Rising Indian Badminton star and World No. 23 R.M.V Gurusaidutt has made it to the quarterfinals of the Djarum Indonesia Open 2013.

Gurusaidutt defeated the Qualifier and World No. 39 Kazumasa Sakai of Japan 21-12 9-21 21-19 in around an hour to make it to the last 8 of the tournament. Kazumasa, who defeated the World No. 8 Danish shuttler Jan O Jorgensen in the opening round, gave a very tough fight to the 23-year-old Indian shuttler.

The Indian shuttler looked in brilliant touch in the first game. Gurusaidutt, who was leading 12-10 in the first game, grabbed the next 5 points to make the scores 17-10. After that, it was all Gurusaidutt in the first game.

In the second game, Gurusaidutt was absolutely no match for the Japanese shuttler. Sakai took 5 points in a row when the scores were 2-2. Kazumasa Sakai, who was leading 11-6 at the mid game interval of the second game, took the next two points in a row to make the scores 13-6. After that, Gurusaidutt was completely outclassed by the Japanese as he won that game 21-9 in just 15 minutes.

The third and final game was a lot more evenly contested. Both the players were fighting hard for each and every point. Sakai took some initial momentum in the early part of the third game as he took a strong 4 points lead when the scores were 1-1. Down 6-7 at one stage, Gurusaidutt made an outstanding comeback as he took the next 4 points in a row to make the scores 10-8. After that, the Japanese shuttler took 7 consecutive points to make the scores 10-15. Scores were 17 all at one stage but Gurusaidutt grabbed the next 3 points. Kazumasa, however, saved 2 match points but was unable to save the third match point and lost the game 21-19.

Gurusaidutt will now face the World No. 20 Indonesian shuttler Tommy Sugiarto for a place in the semis. Last time, the two players met in the Sunrise India Open 2013 tournament, Gurusaidutt easily prevailed over the Indonesian 21-16 21-17.