CHENNAI: India’s men shuttlers had for long been in Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu’s shadows. The girls were winning medals, beating top guns. Boys were fighting to make a mark. Not anymore. Kidambi Srikatnh’s win at the Indonesia Open Super Series Premier on Sunday was the third international triumph for Indian men this year, after two by B Sai Praneeth.
The player based in Hyderabad had slipped in rankings after reaching the Olympic quarterfinals last year. Having beaten World No 1 Son Wan Ho of South Korea in the semifinals before breezing past Japan’s Kazumasa Sakai 21-11, 21-19 in the final, Srikanth is certain to gain places ahead of the World Championship in August.
“I’m playing Australian Open next week. It’s the last tournament before World Championship. This is a big confidence booster for me ahead of the big event. I’d give my 100 per cent. I hope there’s a lot more to come,” said the former World No 3.