Commonwealth Games gold medalist, Parupalli Kashyap crashed out of the World Badminton Championship after suffering a shocking first-round defeat against Dieter Domke of Germany in the men’s singles competition here on Monday.
The World No. 27 Indian, who had clinched the biggest title of his career at Glasgow early this month, played his heart out before going down fighting 24-26, 21-13, 18-21 in a nerve-wrecking battle of attrition which lasted an hour and seven minutes. Kashyap, who had lost to Domke during the Thomas Cup in New Delhi last May, squandered a 14-10 lead in the opening game before the German gained the upperhand. The Indian dished out a dominating performance in the second game as he opened up a narrow 6-4 lead early on and staved off the challenge from the German, who came as close to 12-13 at one point, to draw level.
In the decider, Kashyap was lagging 7-11 but the Indian caught up with his rival at 13-13 and 17-17. However, Domke ensured he didn’t lose any more ground to the Indian before sealing the issue in his favour.