Internet Desk: India’s star shuttler Kidambi Srikanth has made the country proud again after winning his third singles Super Series title on Sunday against Korea’s veteran Lee Hyun II. Srikanth won the one sided clash in straight games and bagged the USD 750,000 Denmark Open.
World No. 8 Srikanth didn’t give any chances to the more experienced Lee, who looked a pale shadow of the man, who had beaten World No. 2 Son Wan Ho in the semi-finals yesterday.
Lee had no answers to Srikanth’s phenomenal smashes and cross court returns as the Indian led 14-8. Lee also made judgement errors at the baseline and also miscued his strokes as Srikanth extended his advantage to 17-8 with another smash.
The Korean hit two long shots and then sent one at the net to hand over a 20-8 lead to Srikanth.
The Indian made two unforced errors to allow Lee get into doubles figures. But Lee again erred with the length of his return as Srikanth pocketed the first game.
In the second game, Srikanth stepped on the gas and zoomed to a 11-1 lead even as Lee struggled with his strokes, hitting wide and long and often finding the net.
Post mid-game break, Lee produced a steep cross court return, much to the cheer of the sizable crowd who had turned out to watch the finals. The Korean lacked anticipation as Srikanth smashed his way to the title.
“I am happy with the way it went for me, it was fantastic. I beat some tough players this week. I can’t even say it’s a dream come true because I never dreamt of wining three titles this year! I really want to continue playing well,” Srikanth was quoted as saying by PTI.
“He is one of the most experienced players in the circuit. He is one of the best players, he is a two-time Olympic semi-finalist. It is a tremendous feat. He has a different style and he is known to turn matches after losing first game, so I am happy to could win in straight games. I just wanted to continue what I did this week and not do anything fancy. I feel I have to be more consistent in the coming months,” he added.
With inputs from PTI.