New Delhi: India Kidambi Srikanth finished second in the US Open Super 300 badminton tournament after losing the men’s doubles final to Su Li-yang of Chinese Taipei. The 33-year-old former world champion showed fighting spirit in recovering from the opening game loss, but eventually went down 15-21, 21-16, 9-21 in a tight contest that lasted more than an hour.In the first final of the season, Srikanth got off to a good start but lost momentum after a strange error when his run crossed the net in the rally. Although he struggled to score in the middle of the opening game, Su stepped up after the break, using his pace and tricky shots to dominate and defend the first game.The second game was more difficult, with both players tied for points. Srikanth showed his experience and sharp game at the nets, and controlled the inside of the game. Despite a late challenge from Su, the Indian held strong, earning a couple of match points before sealing the match with a powerful groundstroke to force a third game.
Su dominates the final game to claim the girl’s title
The decider, however, belonged to young Su, who came out aggressively and did not allow Srikanth to settle down. The player from Chinese Taipei maintained his unstoppable speed and made a good lead. Srikanth mixed brilliant hits with unforced errors and was upset when he was denied permission by the umpire to change his shirt during the match.Su continued to dominate the rally and eventually scored 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 the final.
