BRONZE FOR ABHISHEK

Abhishek Yadav, playing a marathon fifth game, defeated Malaysia’s Dunley Foo to enter the semi-finals of the men’s singles, thus ensuring himself at least a bronze medal at the ongoing second Asian Youth Games. The Indian disposed of Foo 4-1 (11-6, 11-5, 15-13, 5-11, 18-16) in 41 minutes, which included two games that stretched every sinew of the left-handed Yadav and tested his patience to no end. He will now meet the top-seeded Chinese Zhendong Fan in the semi-final.. The Chinese beat Taipei’s Chia-Hung Sun in straight games. With no play-off, both the losing semi-finalists will be awarded bronze medals. “I am completely drained out. Two big games, particularly the last one, sapped my energy. But I held my nerve to go past him (Foo),” said Yadav. Asked about his opponent in semi-final, Yadav said he was wary of the Chinese. “I will play to my strength and let’s see,” he said.