Paralympic gold medallist Pramod Bhagat was made to toil hard by fellow junior Nehal Gupta before emerging winner in three games to enter the semifinals of the fourth Fazza Dubai Para Badminton International 2022 here on Saturday.
Bhagat, who won two gold medals at the recent Bahrain Para Badminton International 2022, came back from a game down to beat Gupta 18-21 21-15 21-11 in the men's singles SL3 event.
"I took time to get my rhythm in the match. By that time, Nehal started playing well. He is improving fast and is highly skilled. He has a bright future," said Bhagat, who will next face Japan's Daisuke Fujihara, the Paralympic bronze medallist, in mixed doubles.
By definition, the SL3 category is for players with movement moderately affected one side of the body, both legs, or the absence of limbs.
In men's singles SL4 category, Tarun Dhillon also advanced to the semifinals with a 21-15 20-22 21-14 win over Korea's Cho Nadan.
SL4 is for players with movement affected at a low level on one side of the body, in both legs, or the minor absence of one limb.