Kidambi Srikanth loses US Open final to Su Li Yang, BWF title drought extends
Synopsis
Kidambi Srikanth reached the US Open final but fell in three games to Chinese Taipei's Su Li Yang, who claimed his maiden BWF World Tour title. For Srikanth, the runner-up finish extends a title drought stretching back to 2017 — and raises fresh questions about whether the former world number one can rediscover a winning formula at the highest level.
Key Takeaways
Kidambi Srikanth lost the US Open Badminton men's singles final to Su Li Yang of Chinese Taipei 21-15, 16-21, 21-9 on 29 June in Fullerton, California .
Srikanth's BWF World Tour title drought now extends beyond eight years , with his last title coming at the 2017 French Open .
Su Li Yang , aged 24 , claimed his maiden BWF World Tour title after winning eight consecutive points in the decider.
Srikanth produced a notable act of sportsmanship in the semifinals, conceding a disputed point to Japan's Okimoto without official intervention.
The two players have now met three times , with Su leading 2-1 after Sunday's result.
Former World No. 1 Kidambi Srikanth's long wait for a BWF World Tour title stretched further on Sunday, 29 June, as he fell to Chinese Taipei's Su Li Yang in the men's singles final of the US Open Badminton tournament in Fullerton, California. The 33-year-old Indian shuttler lost 21-15, 16-21, 21-9 in a match that lasted one hour and nine minutes, leaving his title drought — dating back to his 2017 French Open win — unbroken.
How the Match Unfolded
Su Li Yang set the tone early in the opening game, racing to a 10-5 lead before Srikanth fought back to level at 10-10. The Chinese Taipei shuttler then reeled off seven consecutive points to take the first game convincingly at 21-15.
Srikanth responded with authority in the second, shifting gears to surge from 15-13 to 20-13 and converting on his fourth game point to level the contest. However, the physical toll of that comeback effort was evident as the match entered the decider.
In the third game, the two were level at 9-7 before the 24-year-old Su — nine years Srikanth's junior — produced a blistering run of eight straight points to seal the title 21-9.
What Srikanth Said
'I just feel like whatever I've been doing is working. I just have to keep working hard. I feel I'm there, but it's about winning those crucial points. He has been playing really well over the last few months. It's a day when he played exceptionally well during the points that mattered,' Srikanth said after the match.
The loss extends a title drought that has now lasted over eight years for the former world number one, who reached a peak ranking of No. 1 in 2018 and remains one of India's most decorated shuttlers.
Su Li Yang Claims Maiden BWF Tour Title
'I can't believe I did it. I'm just happy and excited. In the final game, we both were tired, so I told myself to keep the focus and keep pushing myself, and to trust myself. I'm very proud of myself. I worked very hard, I really wanted to win a World Tour title. This is my first World Tour title. I trust and believe that I can win more,' said Su Li Yang after clinching his maiden BWF World Tour crown.
The two players have now met three times in total, with each winning once before Sunday's decider. Their previous encounter came in the round of 16 at the Thailand Open in May, where Su had also prevailed in three games.
A Moment of Sportsmanship
Notably, Srikanth's run to the final was marked by a rare act of sportsmanship in the semifinals. When officials declined to overturn a disputed line call despite strong protests, Srikanth walked to the referee's chair and voluntarily conceded the point to Japan's Okimoto — a gesture that drew wide appreciation from those present.
What's Next for Srikanth
At 33, Srikanth continues to compete at the top level of the global circuit, and his run to the US Open final demonstrates he remains a genuine contender. The question of whether he can add to his solitary BWF Tour title will follow him to the next leg of the 2025 BWF World Tour calendar.
Point of View
Then losing the decisive moments — has repeated itself too often to dismiss. The third-game collapse from 9-7 to 9-21 points to a physical and mental fade under pressure that coaching staff will need to address. His sportsmanship moment in the semis underscores his character; the real test is whether he can convert that mental clarity into closing out finals.
NationPress
29 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of Kidambi Srikanth's US Open Badminton final?
Kidambi Srikanth lost the US Open Badminton men's singles final to Su Li Yang of Chinese Taipei 21-15, 16-21, 21-9 on 29 June in Fullerton, California. The match lasted one hour and nine minutes.
When did Kidambi Srikanth last win a BWF World Tour title?
Srikanth's last BWF World Tour title came at the 2017 French Open. His runner-up finish at the 2025 US Open extends that drought to over eight years.
Who is Su Li Yang and why is this win significant?
Su Li Yang is a 24-year-old shuttler from Chinese Taipei. His US Open title is his maiden BWF World Tour crown, and he secured it by winning eight consecutive points in the deciding third game against Srikanth.
What was the sportsmanship moment involving Srikanth at the US Open?
During his semifinal match, officials declined to overturn a disputed line call despite protests. Srikanth voluntarily walked to the referee and conceded the point to his Japanese opponent Okimoto — an act widely praised as exemplary sportsmanship.
What is Srikanth and Su Li Yang's head-to-head record?
The two have met three times in total, with Su Li Yang now leading 2-1. Their previous meeting was in the round of 16 at the Thailand Open in May 2025, where Su also won in three games.
