Will Kidambi Srikanth Triumph Over Li Shi Feng in the Final?
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Synopsis
In a remarkable comeback, India's Kidambi Srikanth reaches the final of the Malaysia Masters after six long years. With a thrilling victory over Yushi Tanaka, he now faces China's Li Shi Feng. Will he reclaim his former glory? Read on to find out more about his journey and what lies ahead.
Key Takeaways
- Kidambi Srikanth returns to BWF finals after six years.
- He defeated Yushi Tanaka in a thrilling match.
- Srikanth aims to reclaim his former glory against Li Shi Feng.
- His dedication to fitness and training is evident.
- Historical context: Last title win in 2017.
Kuala Lumpur, May 24 (NationPress) Indian badminton star Kidambi Srikanth has secured his place in the men’s singles final at a BWF event for the first time in six years, triumphing over Japan’s Yushi Tanaka in a straight-game match during the Malaysia Masters Super 500 tournament on Saturday.
At 32 years old, the silver medallist from the 2023 World Championships showcased a remarkable performance, reflecting his classic style with precise net play and bold shot-making, defeating world No. 23 Tanaka with scores of 21-18, 24-22 in a thrilling contest.
This is Srikanth’s first appearance in a BWF World Tour final since he was the runner-up at the 2019 India Open. His last championship win was in 2017, a standout year during which he claimed four titles.
Once holding the top rank in the world, Srikanth has faced challenges in recent years, currently positioned at 65th due to issues with form and fitness.
Expressing his joy at reaching the final after a lengthy break, Srikanth remarked, “Pretty happy.”
“Physically I’ve been feeling well, but also the fact that I haven't played tonight or this last year, playing qualifying, so maybe kind of lost that touch of playing matches. Somehow everything works well this time.
“I haven’t really planned anything. It’s just about being physically fit, being injury-free, and then playing as many hours as possible. I don’t really have a target for when it’s done, so it’s just about training, being physically fit, and then playing.
“Obviously, if I played, I would have just played a bit. So, I really want to give myself enough time to recover, to train, and then play this time,” Srikanth added.
He is now set to face China’s Li Shi Feng in the final on Sunday, with the head-to-head statistics favoring the Chinese player, who has won three out of four meetings.
Point of View
I firmly believe that Kidambi Srikanth's journey in the Malaysia Masters reflects the resilience and determination of our athletes. His progress to the finals after such a challenging period is a testament to his hard work and dedication. With a promising showdown against Li Shi Feng, we are reminded of the importance of supporting our sports heroes in their pursuit of excellence.
NationPress
01/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Srikanth's victory?
Srikanth's victory marks his first entry into a BWF men's singles final in six years, highlighting his resilience and skill.
Who will Srikanth face in the final?
Kidambi Srikanth will face China's Li Shi Feng in the final match.
What challenges has Srikanth faced recently?
Srikanth has struggled with form and fitness issues, resulting in his drop to 65th in the world rankings.
When is the final match scheduled?
The final match is scheduled for Sunday.
What is Srikanth's previous best performance?
His last significant achievement was being the runner-up at the 2019 India Open.
