English
New Delhi: India’s top men’s singles player Kidambi Srikanth came from a game down to beat world champion and home-favourite Viktor Axelsen 14-21, 22-20, 21-7 in a hard-fought last-eight contest, to keep India’s hopes alive at the Denmark Open Super Series Premier.
Srikanth looked down and out in the first game, which he lost 14-21, but made a brilliant comeback in the second, to close Axelsen down, and take the close 2nd game 22-20.
Later, the Guntur-lad exhibited his solid character and blew the hometown boy Axelsen completely away in the deciding game, as he took the last game 21-7, and won the match in 55 minutes, thus paving his way for a semifinal entry.
Overall, the 24-year-old held his nerve after losing the first game and targeted the sidelines often, hence forcing Axelsen to hit the shuttle wide. This win is no less than a statement from the Indian.
Also, Srikanth now remains the only Indian in the competition as earlier, Saina Nehwal lost 10-21, 13-21 to defending champion Akane Yamaguchi of Japan in women’s singles quarter-final to bow out of the tournament, while Prannoy was handed defeat by top seed Son Wan-Ho of South Korea.
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