Indian challenge ends as Ajay Jayaram bows out of Korea Open

Ace Indian shuttler Ajay Jayaram knocked out of the ongoing Korea Open Super Series after suffering a straight game defeat against Lee Hyun Il in the quarterfinals of the men's singles event here on Friday.

The 29-year-old produced a spirited performance before losing a hard-fought opening game 23-25. Jayaram, however, ran out of steam as his Korean opponent won the enthralling contest after clinching the second game 21-13.

With his defeat, the Indian challenge at the tournament has come to an end.

Jayaram, ranked 27th in the world, had progressed through to the last eight after clinching straight-games victory over Korea's Jeon Hyeok Jin and China's Huang Yuxiang.