Hope to comeback stronger: Ajay Jayaram

HYDERABAD: Ajay Jayaram's run was snapped by world champion Cheng Long in the Korea Open Superseries final. The defending champion from China took just 40 minutes to oust the unseeded Indian 21-14, 21-13 in Seoul on Sunday.
The world No. 32, who made stunning progress in the last four days to reach the final, ran out of gas against the world No.1. He tried to keep pace but the Long was too good.
Jayaram admitted that he found it difficult to sustain pressure. “I knew it was going to be hard. I started off well by mixing my attack from the back and the net. But he got back more shuttles than I expected. I found it difficult to sustain the pressure,” Jayaram said.
After conceding a four point lead at 5-9, Jayaram did well to get back and catch up with Long, but the two-time world champion zoomed ahead after that. He quickly took a two-point lead (11-9) and from 15-13 he clinched the first game without sweat.
Long was even better in the second game as he pulled well ahead after 5-5. From 7-6, Long came up with three four-point bursts.
Disappointed with the way he was outplayed in the final, Jayaram said that he failed to capitalise on the chances he got. “I did have couple of chances which I felt I couldn't capitalise on. All credit to Chen Long though. He played a percentage game and didn't falter. Definitely a little disappointed I couldn't go all the way ,” said Jayaram, adding that he was impressed with his performance at the tournament.
“Still it's been a wonderful week for me. Got some good wins against top players and this is much needed confidence for me. Next month I will be competing in the European circuit. I hope to get a few good weeks of training and do well there. I do have a few areas to work on. Hope to comeback stronger,” he added.
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