New Delhi ,produced a fighting performance to book his place in the men’s singles final of the US Open Super 300 badminton tournament after defeating Japan’s Yudai Okimoto in a tough three-game semi-final.
The former World No. 1 came through 22-20, 15-21 and 21-19 in a contest that lasted 72 minutes. It is Srikanth’s first final appearance of the season and another encouraging result for the experienced Indian shuttler, who continues to rebuild his form on the international circuit.
The 33-year-old made a strong start to the match and looked in complete control after opening up a 17-10 lead in the first game. However, Okimoto fought back brilliantly and even earned a game point. Srikanth stayed calm under pressure, winning the next three points to steal the opening game.
Srikanth keeps his cool in the decider
Okimoto responded well in the second game, controlling the rallies and forcing a decider after maintaining his advantage for most of the set.
Srikanth once again looked comfortable in the third game after taking a 10-5 lead but the Japanese shuttler refused to give in and briefly moved ahead at 13-12. The Indian then produced his best spell of the match, winning six consecutive points to move within touching distance of victory.
Okimoto fought back once again to level the scores at 18-18 but Srikanth held his nerve in the closing stages to seal an impressive win and secure his place in the final.
Rounak and Devika bow out
Srikanth will now take on Chinese Taipei’s Su Li Yang, who defeated India’s Rounak Chouhan 21-17, 21-19 in the other men’s singles semi-final. Rounak’s impressive run in his maiden Super 300 tournament came to an end despite another spirited display.
In the women’s singles, sixth seed Devika Sihag also exited in the semi-finals after losing 21-15, 11-21, 15-21 to Denmark’s second seed Line Christophersen. Despite the defeats, India’s campaign will now centre on Srikanth as he aims to lift his first title of the season.