US Open: Ajay Jayaram bows out in semis

The Indian shuttler goes down to Netherland’s Mark Caljouw 21-13, 23-21.

File Photo: Ajay Jayaram went down in straight games to his Dutch opponent.

India’s Ajay Jayaram bowed out of the US Open with a defeat against Netherland’s Mark Caljouw in the semifinals on Saturday.

In a contest that lasted 36 minutes, Caljouw ensured a 21-13, 23-21, victory to move into the final.

After a lopsided first game, Jayaram bounced back in the second. It was a neck-and-neck battle between the players separated only by two ranking spots (Jayaram ranks 38 and Caljouw, 36). At 21-21, however, Jayaram faltered again to hand his opponent the win.

Jayaram had earlier beaten Heo Kwang Hee of South Korea 21-18 21-12 in the quarterfinals.