India’s top shuttler Parupalli Kashyap suffered a straight-game defeat against lower-ranked Vladimir Ivanov but Tai Tzu Ying brought Banga Beats back into the contest against Mumbai Masters with a hard-fought victory over Tine Baun here yesterday night.

World number 14 Kashyap could not quell the challenge from the 41st ranked Russian, losing 18-21 18-21 in the first men’s singles at the Siri Fort Sports Complex.

However, Taipei’s Tai Tzu stunned three-time All England Champion and 11th ranked Tine 21-17 21-18 in the women’s singles match to level the tie 1-1.

Kashyap was leading in the first game and had a healthy 7-2 lead at the break but Vladimir turned the tables on him at the second interval, moving to 14-12.

Although, Kashyap clawed back at 15-15 and moved to 18-18 with a smash but Vladimir pocketed the next points to grab the advantage.

In the second game, Kashyap played an attacking game and opened up a 7-2 lead at the first break but Vladimir made it 8-9 with some attaching stroke-play.

Vladimir fought back brilliantly but the Indian was able to keep his nose ahead at 14-10.

Kashyap got points with his sharp angled smashes but he also committed few unforced errors as Vladimir kept breathing down his neck even after the break.

Kashyap lost a few points at the net and also failed to handle his rivals smashes to allow him to level par at 18-18.

But a couple of miscued shots and Vladimir was just one point away from a stunning victory. The next point too went Vladimir’s way as Kashyap had no answers to his smash.

In the second match, the past reputation of Tine Baun did not matter as Tai Tzu went about her business with ease and though the Denmark shuttler provided a great fight, she could hand her side a 2-0 cushion.

Tai Tzu anticipated better and had better court coverage.

Tine involved her rival in long rallies but she could finish off the points. Her strokes went wide and sometimes got buried at the nets as Tai Tzu came back victories.

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