Kashyap breaks title drought; clinches Austrian Open

Vienna, February 25: Reigning Commonwealth Games champion Parupalli Kashyap overcame Malaysia’s June Wei Cheam in straight games in the men's singles final to clinch the Austrian Open International Challenge, his first international title in over three years.

.@parupallik clinches #AustrianOpen title, beats Malaysia’s June Wei Cheam 23-21 21-14 in straight games pic.twitter.com/oAa3XG2OMj

— Doordarshan News (@DDNewsLive) February 25, 2018

Kashyap, a former National champion and second seed, saw off Cheam 23-21, 21-14 in a 37-minute clash late on Saturday (February 24) night.

"Happy to win the title here in #Vienna . First title for me this year. Thank you @IndianOilcl @OGQ_India #Gopichandacademy and all my well wishers for the continuous support," tweeted Kashyap, who had reached the finals of US Open Grand Prix Gold last year.

That's how you win it! @parupallik wins the #AustrianOpen in style. pic.twitter.com/zqc9SARrYZ

— PBL India (@PBLIndiaLive) February 25, 2018

The Indian looked in good touch throughout the tournament as he didn't drop a single game en route to his title win. The final, however, was not a cakewalk as world number 126 Cheam matched Kashyap in the first game, which went down to the wires.

In the end, the Indian had to save three game points before pocketing the first game. Kashyap looked in better control in the second game and eventually sealed the contest in 37 minutes.

Hey friends! Happy to win the title here in #Vienna . First title for me this year . Thank you @IndianOilcl @OGQ_India #Gopichandacademy and all my well wishers for the continuous support. 🙏🙏#Austriaopen2018 #international-challenge 🥇🏆🏸 pic.twitter.com/rKjEmfykTY

— Parupalli Kashyap (@parupallik) February 24, 2018

A former world no 6, Kashyap had been wrecked by a calf muscle tear, went under the knife for a knee injury, suffered a dislocation of his right shoulder, a hamstring pull and an abdominal strain — all within the last few years.