Did Malaysia Masters See Srikanth Fall to Li Shi Feng?
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Synopsis
In an exciting final at the Malaysia Open 2025, Kidambi Srikanth faced a tough defeat against Li Shi Feng. Despite a remarkable journey through the tournament, Srikanth's efforts fell short in the title clash. Discover how the former champion's return to form and his reflections on the match highlight a pivotal moment in his career.
Key Takeaways
- Kidambi Srikanth reached his first BWF final in six years.
- He lost to Li Shi Feng in the Malaysia Open final.
- Srikanth's journey includes overcoming significant injuries.
- He previously made history by winning four BWF titles in 2017.
- His performance in the tournament shows promising signs of recovery.
Kuala Lumpur, May 25 (NationPress) Kidambi Srikanth faced defeat in the final of the Malaysia Open 2025, falling short against China’s Li Shi Feng with scores of 11-21 and 9-21 in just 36 minutes on Sunday.
Despite an impressive journey throughout the tournament, Srikanth struggled to pose a significant challenge in the championship match. The 32-year-old Indian reached his first BWF final in almost six years, marking his last runner-up finish at the India Open in 2019.
“This week has been quite rewarding. It’s my third tournament, and I performed reasonably well in the earlier matches, although I didn’t clinch those victories. I’m pleased with my progress thus far,” Srikanth remarked after the match.
“It wasn't the outcome I envisioned today, but I believe he (Feng) played exceptionally. I’m just thrilled to be back in action. I want to maintain my happiness. There was a time in my career when I was used to standing on that stage, and it’s been a while since then,” Srikanth added.
In the semi-finals, he triumphed over Japan’s World No. 23 Yushi Tanaka in straight games, with scores of 21-18 and 24-22, on Saturday.
Once a formidable player in men’s singles, Srikanth made history in 2017 by becoming the first Indian to secure four BWF titles within a single calendar year, winning the Indonesia Open, Australian Open, Denmark Open, and French Open. The following year, he played a crucial role in India’s gold medal victory in the team event at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.
During the current Malaysia Masters, Srikanth navigated through the qualifying rounds, defeating Ireland’s Nhat Nguyen in the Round of 16. He then narrowly won against France’s Toma Junior Popov in the quarter-finals with scores of 24-22, 17-21, 22-20, and advanced smoothly past Tanaka in the semi-finals.
However, the final proved to be a challenging affair as Li Shi Feng, who secured his first BWF title of 2025 following last year’s triumph at the Japan Masters, showcased superior skills.
Once regarded as one of the world's elite, Srikanth has faced difficulties in recent years, missing the Tokyo Olympics due to injuries, coupled with the cancellation of qualifiers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ongoing ankle issues have hindered his performance consistency, leading to a drop to World No. 65 earlier this month.
Srikanth was also instrumental in India’s landmark Thomas Cup victory in 2022 in Bangkok, where he played a key role in securing the team gold.
Point of View
It's vital to recognize the resilience of athletes like Kidambi Srikanth. His journey reflects not only personal struggles but also the broader narrative of determination in sports. While the loss in the Malaysia Masters final is disappointing, it showcases his tenacity and dedication to reclaiming his status in badminton. By supporting our athletes, we contribute to their growth and the sport's evolution in our nation.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the final scores in the match?
Kidambi Srikanth lost to Li Shi Feng with scores of 11-21 and 9-21.
How long did the final match last?
The final match lasted for just 36 minutes.
When did Srikanth last reach a BWF final?
Srikanth last reached a BWF final in 2019 at the India Open.
What challenges has Srikanth faced in recent years?
Srikanth has dealt with injuries, including missing the Tokyo Olympics and struggling with ankle issues.
What is Srikanth's best achievement in his career?
In 2017, Srikanth became the first Indian to win four BWF titles in a single calendar year.
