Kidambi Srikanth Wins Indonesia Open Super Series Premier Title

Kidambi Srikanth beat Japan’s Kazumasa Sakai 21-11 21-19 in a 37-minute clash in the men’s singles title.

(Photo Courtesy: Facebook/BWF)

Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth lifted the Indonesia Super Series Premier men's singles title, with a straight-game victory over Japan's Kazumasa Sakai in the finals on Sunday.

World No 22 Srikanth won 21-11 21-19 in a 37-minute clash against the Japanese qualifier to take home a cheque of USD 75,000.

Srikanth, who had clinched the 2014 China Super Series Premier and 2015 India Super Series, said:

He was playing well, especially in the second game and I think for me coming back from 6-11 down and make it 13-13 was the turning point.

The Indian shuttler had earlier stunned World Number 1 Son Wan Ho 21-15, 18-21, 24-22 on Saturday to reach his fourth Super Series final in Jakarta.

My coach will have a special place in my heart as after he came, I reached the finals at Singapore and to win this tournament, which is considered the biggest tournament. I want to thank all the fans who have been rooting for me all this week

Kidambi Srikanth

Srikanth played a patient game and didn't allow his opponent to engage in any fast-paced rally. He dictated the pace with his precise angled returns and unleashed his smashes at perfect intervals to down his rival.

Playing in tricky windy conditions, Srikanth took time to gauge the conditions as his initial returns went wide and out.

But his rival also suffered because of similar unforced errors and the Indian led 6-4 early on. He consolidated his lead to reach 11-8 at the break.

After the interval, Srikanth continued to dominate the proceedings. His net dribbles were better than Sakai and with Sakai struggling with precision, the Indian zoomed to a 19-11 lead and sealed it with two lucky net chord points.

After the change of sides, Sakai was more aggressive in his approach and produced an improved net game to dominate the rallies.

Soon, the Japanese was leading 7-3 as he entered the break with an 11-6 lead with the help of a backhand return near the net.

After the interval, Srikanth's aggressive game gave him the desired results. He turned the tables and caught up with the Japanese at 13-13 with an on-rushing smash at the net.

The duo moved neck and neck after that till 19-19 before Srikanth produced two fantastic smashes to seal the issue and punch the air in celebration.

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