Goes down fighting to Indian Kashyap Panrupali:

Karunaratne’s giant-killing run ends

Dinesh WEERAWANSA reporting from England

Sri Lankan Niluka Karunaratne’s giant-killing run at 2012 Olympic Games came to an end when he went down fighting to Indian Kashyap Parupalli one set to two in the pre-quarter finals of the men’s singles event of the badminton competition worked off at Wembley Arena on Wednesday morning.

Nevertheless, the fighting qualities of Sri Lanka’s overall captain were once again demonstrated as he came back strongly to win the second set and to keep his Indian opponent under check until the middle of the decisive third set.

However, Karunaratne took time to settle down as Purupalli , ranked 24th in the world, got off to a blistering start to win the first set 21-14 in 20 minutes. But a determined Karunaratne, who sprang the biggest surprise of the men’s singles in Olympic badminton tournament by dumping world no. 8 Kenichi Tago of Japan 21-18, 21-16 in the first round, immediately swung into action with some powerful stroke play.

Purupalli’s dream of a straight set win after a comfortable lead in the first set was demolished as Karunaratne launched a fresh attack in the second set. Karunaratne looked aggressive and confident as he sailed through comfortably to win the second set 21-15 in 19 minutes to square at one set all.

It looked as if the decisive third and final set too was going to be a thriller as Karunaratne opened scoring. Scores of the third set were levelled at one-all, two-all, three-all, four-all and five-all before the Indian staged a magnificent come back. Using all his experience and superior international exposure, Purupalli handled the pressure situation well and capitalised on the mistakes of the Lankan land to cut loose and seat a comfortable win at the end. Karunaratne made too many mistakes in the latter stages of the crucial third set as the Indian finally won 21-14, 15-21, 9-21 in exactly one hour.

Speaking to Sri Lanka media team, Karunaratne said he lost the grip due to his overreacting. “I think I overreacted and lost my full concentration after the Indian went ahead 6-5 in the third set. He kept on attacking and there was no chance for me to make a comeback,” he said.

Sri Lanka’s undisputed national champion on ten occasions, Karunaratne said that he lost the commanding position he had in the second set, though he won it eventually - leading 7-17 at one stage but allowing Purupalli to reduce the deficit 21-15 in the second set. “There too I relaxed a bit after that early lead and that enabled my opponent to advance,” he said.

Asked why he preferred tom play closer to the net and if that had been an advantage for his opponent, Karunaratne said it was his forte. “I am faster than him when playing closer to the net. I am not demoralised as I have done my best. As a sportsman I could take both winning and losing in true spirit,” he said.

“Unlike us, most Olympians start their preparations from the previous Olympic Games. I only began my Olympic preparations last year. In contrast my opponents have better experience. Nevertheless, I thank all those who helped me to come up to this level,” he said. Meanwhile, defending champion and Beijing 2004 Olympic gold medallist Dan Lin advanced to the quarter finals of the men’s singles badminton when he beat Indonesian Taufik Hidayat 21-9, 21-12 in another pre-quarter final game played this morning.

Swimmer Reshika – 6th in heats

Sri Lanka swimmer Reshika Udugampola finished sixth in her women’s 100m freestyle first round heat at the Aquatic Centre today. Competing in second of the seven women’s 100m qualifying round heats, Udugampola clocked one minute and 4.93 seconds to finish sixth, ahead of last-placed Magdalena Moshi of Tanazania who returned a timing of 1:05.80. The heat two was won by Jade Howard of Zambia in 59.37 seconds, followed by Bayan Jumah (Syria – 59.78), Keran Riveros Schulz (Paraguay – 59.86), Britany Van Lange (Guyana – 1.01.62), Aina Fils Rabetsara (Madagascar – 1:02.39) and Udugampola.

Of the 50 women who competed in seven 100m freestyle heats, China’s Yi Tang clocked the fastest timing of 53.28 seconds in winning the heat No.3. Speaking to media after her Olympic debut, Udugampola said it was a good experience to compete at the highest level and that would inspire her to do well in future meets.

Match fixing at Olympics

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) is discussing what steps the world governing body should take against eight female players who apparently conspired to throw their matches in the women’s doubles.

The players, Chinese world champions Wang Xiaoli and Yu Yang, Greysia Poli and Meiliana Jauhari of Indonesia and two South Korean pairs, Jung Kyung-eun and Kim Ha-na, and Ha Jung-eun and Kim Min Jung, have been charged with attempting to throw their matches in an attempt to secure a favourable quarter-final draw.The BWF is under pressure to expel all eight players from the competition in order to set a strong example. The International Olympic Committee has taken unprecedented steps to tackle match-fixing in the London Games, with president Jacques Rogge describing it as the biggest threat to the integrity of the Games.

There is no suggestion of any betting associated with the matches, but the fact players appeared willing to manipulate results is arguably more corrosive to the reputation of the Games. Rogge was a spectator at the badminton at Wembley Arena on Tuesday and the developments in the evening session are a significant embarrassment to the sport and the Games.

LONDON, Wednesday.