The former world no. 1 shuttler Kidambi Srikanth had a poor 2023, where he not only failed to win a tournament, but also did not even manage to make it to the semis of any event. That came at a time, when the Paris 2024 Olympics qualification had already started. Srikanth’s rankings also slipped out of the Top-20, which was a big blow to India.
But all that poor form might just be a thing of the past now. At the season-opener Malaysia Open 2024, Srikanth got past the WR-5, Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie in three games 21-12. 18-21, 21-16. But that is not even the best part about his first round win on Tuesday.
The manner in which Srikanth got there, was nothing short of spectacular. After winning the first game, the Indian couldn’t close the second, as the match went to the decider. And in the third, Srikanth was trailing 1-6 at one point of time. But then, the resilient player, that the world is aware of, was truly at his best.
Not only the Indian attacked at the net, but also from the back court, stunning Christie. In fact, it was one long rally that changed the course of the match. There came multiple time in the rally, where Srikanth & Christie could have lost the point, but eventually the Indian tilted it in his favour.
What It Could Mean for Srikanth
India had mediocre results in men’s single for majority of 2023, barring HS Prannoy, and if Srikanth could replicate his form of 2017, or 2018, for that matter even 2021, he’ll not only make it to Paris 2024, but will be in running for a medal at the Olympics.
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