PARIS, Oct 24 (IANS): Indian shuttler Parupalli Kashyap continued his giant-killing spree, stunning World No.9 Tian Houwei 21-19, 21-18 in the pre-quarters of the French Open Super Series while Saina Nehwal also advanced to the quarterfinals at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin here.
Kashyap, Commonwealth Games champion, got off to a good start, taking a 5-1 lead before Houwei fought back to equalise at 7-7. However, Kashyap snatched three consecutive points to rattle the Chinese here Thursday night.
The World No.21 Indian continued the momentum to pile further pressure on Tian and surged to a 15-8. But Tian had his moment of brilliance to take four straight points and reduced the deficit at 17-14. He later managed to equalise at 19-19 before Kashyap stepped up to seal the first game 21-19.
In the second game, Kashayap didn�t waste time to race to a 8-1 lead. With his regal cross-court smashes and sharp net-play, he handled the pressure exerted by Tian to win the game 21-18 to enter quarterfinals, where he will meet World No.7 Wang Zhenming Friday.
Kashyap defeated World No.3 Jan O Jorgensen in the quarter-final of Denmark Open last week and also upset World No.4 Kenichi Tago 21-11, 21-18 in the first round here.
In other match, the World No.6 Saina was made to work hard for a 21-19, 21-16 victory over Scotland�s World No.21 Kirsty Gilmour. The Scottish girl matched the class and quality of the 2012 Olympic bronze medallist to take a 7-5 lead in the first game before Saina.
