Mülheim an der Ruhr (Germany): Veteran Indian shuttler Arvind Bhat has struck prime form at the $120,000 German Open Grand Prix Gold as he upset Danish 14th seed Viktor Axelsen to enter the men's singles semifinals here Friday.
The 34-year-old Bhat defeated Axelsen 21-17, 21-14 in a 35-minute encounter at the RWE-Sporthalle in their first ever match.
The World No.87 Indian has brought out his best in this tournament where he has beaten three higher ranked players, including World No.10 Hu Yun, out of four clashes to enter the last four.
Though the first game against the Dane was a close encounter with Bhat pulling away only at the end, the two-time former national champion completely dominated the second game, leading from the start.
The Indian will next face Chinese Taipei's 15th seed and World No.24 Tien Chen Chou, who has a 2-1 head-to-head record against Bhat but their last meeting was two years ago in Canada.
IANS
Mülheim an der Ruhr (Germany) Veteran Indian shuttler Arvind Bhat has struck prime form at the $120,000 German Open Grand Prix Gold as he upset Danish 14th seed Viktor Axelsen to enter the men's singles semifinals here Friday.
The 34-year-old Bhat defeated Axelsen 21-17, 21-14 in a 35-minute encounter at the RWE-Sporthalle in their first ever match.
The World No.87 Indian has brought out his best in this tournament where he has beaten three higher ranked players, including World No.10 Hu Yun, out of four clashes to enter the last four.
Though the first game against the Dane was a close encounter with Bhat pulling away only at the end, the two-time former national champion completely dominated the second game, leading from the start.
The Indian will next face Chinese Taipei's 15th seed and World No.24 Tien Chen Chou, who has a 2-1 head-to-head record against Bhat but their last meeting was two years ago in Canada.
