Stunning win for Ouseph in Korea

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Hounslow’s Rajiv Ouseph made a stunning start to his Olympic year, taking only 35 minutes to knock Indonesian star Taufik Hidayat out of badminton’s Korea Open.

Ouseph beat the former world and Olympic champion 21-19 21-15 in their men’s singles clash after a flawless performance.

After establishing an 11-5 lead in the first game, Ouseph crushed the world number nine’s attempt at a comeback and then stepped up a gear in the second game, which at one stage was finely poised at 9-9.

The victory is a massive boost for the 25-year-old, who has struggled in recent months but appears to be rediscovering his best form ahead of the London 2012 Games.

He will face another Indonesian, eighth seed Simon Santoso, in the second round.

Related feature: Ones to watch in 2012

 

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