Rapid thinking and a quick change of strategy helped Aravind Bhat avert what would’ve been a rather disappointing loss to Czech Petr Koukal, as the Indian made his maiden quarter-final at the China Open Super Series in Shanghai on Thursday.

A game and 15-18 down in the second, Bhat judged, a little belatedly, that his forehand was under attack, but made quick amends, anticipating a few shots and turning offensive to win the hour-long contest 18-21, 21-18, 21-15.

“The first game I was too passive, but I attacked well after that, and the change in tactics helped,” Bhat said, after he set up a last-eight clash with Chinese Kai Wen.

Playing a tall opponent in a prolonged match of big rallies, Bhat was up against a rival who was smashing quite deep, even as the shuttles played fast on the day, with the lift aiding big smashes at the Yuanchen Development Centre. Bhat’s improved fitness after his European stint also helped him keep the tempo high in the match that lasted 62 minutes.

The lone challenger left in the fray, after Saina Nehwal and partner Anna Rice bowed out of the doubles on Thursday, going down to their Korean rivals 21-13, 21-11, Bhat is hoping to go deeper still into the week in China. “It is a good feeling to play quarters. I am up for the challenge, and looking to play better tomorrow as I am motivated now,” the world No 39 added.

Kai Wen is ranked lower to Bhat, and as such is an unheard of player. “I am playing him for the first time. But all Chinese players are similar, and all are good,” he said, “Even though he is unknown, I need to play well. I have never seen him play either, which might actually be good.”