London Olympic Games quarterfinalist P Kashyap won his maiden Grand Prix title, when he outclassed Thailand's Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk in the men's singles final of the Syed Modi Memorial GP Badminton Championship here on Sunday.
Second seed Kashyap, winner of the 2010 Commonwealth Games bronze, put his best foot forward against the 14th seed Thai, scripting a 21-19, 14-21, 21-17 win in front of a packed house.
However, the second seed in the women's section, PV Sindhu, couldn't make it a grand double for India, as she went down fighting to seventh seed Lindaweni Fanetri of Indonesia 15-21, 21-18, 18-21.
Despite missing a few easy chances at the net, Kashyap managed to win the first game. He looked off-colour in the second and lost by three points. In the decider, both players fought hard, but at 11-all, the Indian zoomed ahead, finishing off the rival's challenge.
{{/usCountry}}Despite missing a few easy chances at the net, Kashyap managed to win the first game. He looked off-colour in the second and lost by three points. In the decider, both players fought hard, but at 11-all, the Indian zoomed ahead, finishing off the rival's challenge.
{{/usCountry}}Punching the air
Kashyap celebrated his victory by punching the air several times and thanked his supporters by throwing his favourite racquet into the stands.
"It's really a great moment for me. Winning a big event for the first time has always been exciting and I give all credit to Gopi sir," said Kashyap.
Gopichand, though happy with Kashyap's win, looked a bit disappointed with Sindhu's loss. "I have mixed feelings. I'm overwhelmed by Kashyap's victory. Sindhu showed good fitness…I am happy she reached the final."
The summit clash between world No 24 Sindhu and Fanetri lived up to expectations. The energetic Indonesian, who had lost to the Indian in the qualifying rounds of the All England Open earlier this year, didn't lose concentration even for a moment and kept Sindhu at bay with her tosses and drops at the net.