Indian shuttler Ajay Jayaram notched up a superb straight-game win over Estonia’s Raul Must in the finals to defend his men’s singles title at the Dutch Open Grand Prix here on Sunday.
Just three weeks after reaching his maiden Super Series final at the Korea Open, Jayaram continued his rampaging run as he defeated 12th seed and World No. 48 Must 21-12, 21-18 in a 34-minute lop-sided final.
In the opening game, World No. 26 Jayaram opened up a 4-0 lead early on and didn’t allow Must any leeway. The Estonian, who had ended the run of R.M.V. Gurusaidutt in the quarterfinals, showed signs of recovery in the second game from 6-5 down.
But the Indian quickly smothered the challenge and broke off at 7-7 to keep his nose ahead even as Raul fought hard. Jayaram, who is coached by Tom John at Bangalore, grabbed two match points first and then slammed the door on Must to clinch a deserving win.
Jayaram had won the Dutch Open, his maiden title last year. This is the second title of his career.
“It is a good result. The way he has made a comeback from injury and then to reach back to back finals and win here is commendable. I hope it gives him the confidence in the next events,” chief coach Pullela Gopi Chand told PTI.
“He always had the game and it is a matter of confidence. So it is a very good win and I wish him all the best.”
Asked if Jayaram has a chance of qualifying for Olympics, Gopi Chand said: “Yes, definitely. These are early days and I think if he can continue his form, good things can happen.”
The results: Singles: Final: Ajay Jayaram bt Raul Must 21-12, 21-18.
Doubles: Semifinals: B. Sumeeth Reddy & Manu Attri bt Andrew Ellis & Peter Mills 22-20, 19-21, 21-14.
