Kidambi Srikanth finished runner-up in the US Open Super 300 after losing to Su Li-yang | Badminton News:
NEW DELHI: India: Kidambi Srikanth finished runner-up in the US Open Super 300 badminton tournament after losing in a hard-fought men’s singles final to Chinese Taipei’s Su Li-yang. The 33-year-old former world no. 1 showed great fighting spirit by recovering after losing the opening game, but eventually fell 15-21, 21-16, 9-21 in a physically demanding contest that lasted more than an hour.Playing in his first final of the season, Srikanth started brightly but lost momentum after a rare error when his racket crossed the net during a rally. Although he fought back to level the score midway through the opening game, Su upped the intensity after the break, using his speed and crafty shot-making to take control and secure the first game.The second game is a tighter affair, with two players matching each other point for point. Srikanth showed his experience and sharp game at the net, controlling the middle stage of the game. Despite a late challenge from Su, the Indian held his nerve, earning several game points before sealing the match with a powerful down-the-line smash to force a third game.
Su dominated the final match to claim the maiden title
The decider, however, belonged to younger brother Su, who came out aggressively and never allowed Srikanth to settle. The Chinese Taipei player maintained a steady pace and built a comfortable lead. Srikanth mixed brilliant winners with unforced errors and was also frustrated after being denied permission by the chair umpire to change his shirt during the game.Su continued to dominate the rallies and eventually earned 12 championship points. Although Srikanth made one save, Su closed out the match to win the first BWF World Tour title of his career, while Srikanth had to settle for another runner-up finish.
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