India's top shuttler Parupalli Kashyap suffered a straight-game defeat against lower-ranked Vladimir Ivanov but Tai Tzu Ying brought Banga Beats back into the contest against Mumbai Masters with a hard-fought victory over Tine Baun here tonight.
World number 14 Kashyap could not quell the challenge from the 41st ranked Russian, losing 18-21 18-21 in the first men's singles at the Siri Fort Sports Complex.
However, Taipei's Tai Tzu stunned three-time All England Champion and 11th ranked Tine 21-17 21-18 in the women's singles match to level the tie 1-1.
Kashyap was leading in the first game and had a healthy 7-2 lead at the break but Vladimir turned the tables on him at the second interval, moving to 14-12.
Although, Kashyap clawed back at 15-15 and moved to 18-18 with a smash but Vladimir pocketed the next points to grab the advantage.
In the second game, Kashyap played an attacking game and opened up a 7-2 lead at the first break but Vladimir made it 8-9 with some attaching stroke-play.
Vladimir fought back brilliantly but the Indian was able to keep his nose ahead at 14-10.
Kashyap got points with his sharp angled smashes but he also committed few unforced errors as Vladimir kept breathing down his neck even after the break.
Kashyap lost a few points at the net and also failed to handle his rivals smashes to allow him to level par at 18-18.
But a couple of miscued shots and Vladimir was just one point away from a stunning victory. The next point too went Vladimir's way as Kashyap had no answers to his smash.
