Russia Open 2012: Anton Ivanov reserves seat in Men’s Singles quarter-finals
Men’s Singles shuttler Anton Ivanov did not lose his touch against Denis Grachev in second round of Russia Open Grand Prix tournament and clutched a spot in the quarter-finals on June 28, 2012.
This 50-minute fight proved tough trial of fitness for both contenders as it prolonged to three exhausting sets before ending with final result of 13-21, 21-13 and 24-22.
The unseeded Russian campaigner Anton displayed commendable resisting skills and survived this battle despite of going down in the first segment.
On the other hand, the opposing shuttler Denis frittered away his efforts in final two sets and crashed out of the home event.
He opened the marathon in perfect manner and left his rival behind by clinching five consecutive points before 5-2.
Next couple of rallies proved tough for him and he committed some unforced errors which resulted in an 8-8 margin.
However, Denis regained the control and finished first half with 11-8 total. This advantage helped him to start second half with great confidence.
He raised his total to a formidable position of 18-10 and then wrapped this segment with a decisive figure of 21-13.
This first set loss did not harm Anton Ivanov much as he counterbalanced the situation by finishing very next game in his favour. He trod carefully and paved a path to victory in splendid style.
In the beginning, he was standing four steps ahead of his challenger but he made difference by gathering five points in a row which took him to a dominating position of 11-4.
Later part of the game saw Denis Grachev trying hard to make a stand but he could not withstand the intensive invasion of his competitor.
Anton prevailed in four rallies to reach at 15-4 score position and this huge deficit turned in to the last nail in the coffin for his rival who surrendered after reading 21-13 margin on the board.
Prime badminton skills were required now to save the honour as both shuttlers were locked in a tense situation where they were looking to bag a crucial match point.
However, Anton Ivanov tipped the scale in his favour with a nerve-racking figure of 24-22. Now he will lock horns with top seeded shuttler Vladimir Ivanov in round of eight.
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