Reigning Commonwealth Games champion Parupalli Kashyap overcame Malaysia’s June Wei Cheam in straight games in the men’s singles final to clinch the Austrian Open International Challenge, his first international title in over three years. Parupalli Kashyap, a former National champion and second seed, saw off Cheam 23-21 21-14 in a 37-minute clash late last night. The Indian looked in good touch throughout the tournament as he didn’t drop a single game en route to his title win.

The final, however, was not a cakewalk as world number 126 Cheam matched Kashyap in the first game, which went down to the wires. In the end, the Indian had to save three game points before pocketing the first game. Kashyap looked in better control in the second game and eventually sealed the contest in 37 minutes.

A former world no 6, Kashyap had been wrecked by a calf muscle tear, went under the knife for a knee injury, suffered a dislocation of his right shoulder, a hamstring pull and an abdominal strain — all within the last few years.

He created history by reaching the Quarterfinals of men's singles at 2012 London Olympics, being the only male player from India to do so, at that time. At the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, he won the gold medal in men's singles. Kashyap was the Icon Player for the Indian Badminton League team, Banga Beats in 2013 edition.