NEW DELHI: Star Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth emerged as the lone survivor from his country, advancing to the semi-finals of the Swiss Open Super 300 badminton tournament with a commanding straight-game victory over Chinese Taipei’s Chia Hao Lee in Basel.
In his eighth tournament appearance this season, Srikanth exhibited a composed and focused performance, securing a 21-10, 21-14 win over the 34th ranked Lee in just 35 minutes on Friday night.
Coached by Parupalli Kashyap, Srikanth, notorious for relinquishing advantageous positions in matches, displayed a near flawless performance, finally showcasing a glimpse of his true potential.
With this triumph, Srikanth made his first semifinal appearance in 16 months, his last being at the Hylo Open in November 2022. The 2021 World Championships silver medalist is slated to face Chinese Taipei’s 22nd ranked Lin Chun-Yi in the next round later on Saturday.
While Srikanth’s journey remained on track towards a potential title, it was a heartbreaking conclusion for Kiran George, who fought valiantly but ultimately succumbed to a 23-21, 17-21, 15-21 defeat against Denmark’s Rasmus Gemke in another quarterfinal clash.
Another promising Indian, Priyanshu Rajawat, faced a tough challenge against Chou Tien Chen, ultimately falling short with a 15-21, 19-21 loss in a 43-minute encounter at the St Jakobshalle stadium.
Srikanth showcased a refined game, minimizing errors and emphasizing his prowess at the net, a departure from his tendency to overhit or spray wide with flamboyant smashes. His impressive net play helped him establish an early 8-1 lead, eventually securing a convincing victory in the first game.
Expand
Despite a brief resurgence from Lee in the second game, Srikanth maintained his composure, ultimately sealing the match with a dominant performance.
Srikanth, renowned for his triumphs in the 2017 Super Series season, has struggled to maintain consistency in recent years. However, his current form bodes well for India, especially as the men’s team prepares to defend its Thomas Cup crown next month.
Srikanth’s potential title run at the Swiss Open will undoubtedly boost his confidence and serve as a strong foundation for future performances.
(With PTI inputs)
2024-03-23 15:34:00
#Kidambi #Srikanth #semis #months #Swiss #Open #Badminton #News
