Outplaying Chen Long, Kidambi Srikanth wins second consecutive Super Series title

Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth continued his run of dominance, clinching the Australian Open Super Series men's singles final held in Sydney on Sunday.

The Indian shuttler took less than 30 minutes to outclass Chinese Cheng Long in straight games 22-20, 21-16. This was the second straight Super Series final win for Srikanth, who had only last week secured the Indonesia Open. The 24-year-old dominated the proceedings right from the start and finished off in straight games to reach the summit clash, said an IANS report.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is presently on a three-nation tour, congratulated the champion on Mann Ki Baat, saying,

Badminton player Kidambi Srikanth recently won the Indonesia Open. He has made the nation proud.

He defeated Shi Yuqi of China to reach the final of the Australian Open Super Series. The Guntur player took only 37 minutes to outplay his Chinese opponent 21-10, 21-14.

Badminton Association of India (BAI) President Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced a cash reward of Rs 5 lakh for Srikanth, said a TOI report. He said,

We are really very proud of Srikanth for his achievements. It is simply phenomenal. He has not only made the whole country proud once again but has etched his name among the best and no word would be enough to praise Srikanth.

Srikanth trained at Hyderabad’s Gopichand Badminton Academy, started by former All England Open champion Pullela Gopichand on the five acres awarded to him by the Government of Andhra Pradesh on his victory. Adding to this, Anup Narang, official spokesperson and secretary general of BAI, said,

It is indeed a huge achievement for Srikanth and Indian badminton. The entire BAI is in a jubilant mood and I am sure so are the badminton fans across the country.