Gopi enters last 16, gives some cheer to Indians

Sydney: National Champion Pulella Gopi Chand overcame a second game slump to down Ukraine's Vladislav Druzchenko 15-3, 10-15, 15-7 and move into the pre-quarterfinals of the Olympic badminton competition on Monday.

The 26-year-old Gopi Chand brought some cheer to the gloomy Indian camp. The Hyderabad-based unassuming shuttler was at his best in the first and third games to send the sturdy Ukrainian packing.

''I lost my concentration a bit in the second game,'' Gopi said after the match. ''I was confident of doing well. After that slump, I recovered my ground quickly in the decider,"

In the match that lasted for 58 minutes, Vladislav put up a good fight butGopi Chand was far superior in all departments of the game. The Indian began fluently racing to 10-0 lead before Vladislav could open his account.

The Ukrainian was finding it hard to cover the court as Gopi tossed the shuttle all over. With some deft and powerful shots, the Indian champion rattled his rival.

Vladislav tried hard to counter Gopi with long rallies, but Gopi was smart enough to apply the 'kill'. Gopi used his shot judiciously and many a time Vladislav was left stranded in the court as the shuttle went past him.

The Ukrainian tried to attack Gopi's defence but the Indian was equal to the task in this department also. Gopi allowed his rival only three points in the first game, which he wrapped up comfortably.

The Ukrainian briefly came back into the match by storming to a 13-1 lead in the second game, which he won at 15-10. Gopi, however, regained his poise in the decider to give some cheer to the sagging Indian morale.

Gopi will face World number 2 Indrawan of Indonesia in his next round on Tuesday.

UNI