England’s Rajiv Ouseph continued his good run of form today at the Yonex German Open after securing his quarter final spot with a two game victory over number 3 seed Sho Sasaki from Japan.

In the very first match on the live streaming court the GB number one seized the early advantage in taking the opening game almost unchallenged. Sasaki was very slow to get out of the blocks in much the same way as his second round game against Ireland’s Scott Evans.

“I watched Scott’s game yesterday and I knew that Sasaki was slow to start so it was important for me to make ground early in that first game”
Ouseph took the opening game 21-13 but knew there was more to come from his opponent.

“I knew once I had the first game I was in with a real chance to win the match. Scott Evans was in the same position yesterday so I knew Sasaki would come right back at me when he found his speed. It was important for me to keep focused and keep frustrating him”

The second game proved to be a real dogfight, but where Evans was unable to finish off the job in the second round , Ouseph was not about to let the same thing happen to him.

“I knew I had to just hang in there and as the game advanced I noticed he got nervous”

Sasaki lead 18-16 but the Englishman remained calm and focused and tied the game up at 20-20. In a strange twist of fate the Japanese third seed broke a string during the next point and Ouseph seized his match point opportunity taking the tie 22-20

“I was lucky when he broke a string at 20-20 and I knew with one match point I had to take it there and then. Luckily for me I finished the job off and gives me great confidence for this tournament and the All England next week”

The world number 34 was pleased with his performance and upbeat about his chances giving his current form. “I played well at the Europeans in Russia two weeks ago and I have beaten three Asian opponents this week in Germany so I am pretty confident now heading into tomorrow’s quarter final.”

For all results from today’s play in Mülheim click HERE

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Article and Image by Mark Phelan (Live in Germany)