Kidambi Srikanth has done it again, his terrific run continues in Australian Open Super Series 2017 as he beats Olympic Champion, Chinese player Chen Long in the final of the tournament by 22-20, 21-16. Srikanth started his journey from reaching the Final of Singapore Open and then winning the Indonesian Open recently, and now, winning the Australian Open by beating Chen Long in straight games. After beating former World’s No.1 shuttler Wan San Ho two times in a week, Srikanth was fired up and clearly the favourite to win the tournament. He lived up to the expectations and won another major tournament.
Though Srikanth’s win in the final did not come that easy. He had to fight in the first game with Long as it was a neck-to-neck affair with both the players thriving for dominance. The Olympic Champion did not let Srikanth off the hook that easily as he did not let him win as he reached the game point. In a fierce fight, Srikanth emerged victoriously by 22-20 in the first game.
2nd successive Superseries title for Srikanth Kidambi. Defeats the Olympic champion Chen Long 22-20, 21-16 to become #AustraliaSS champion! pic.twitter.com/zUG6jyqS67
— BAI Media (@BAI_Media) June 25, 2017
With that win, @srikidambi goes to No. 1 in Dubai Destination Rankings. What a clinical performance from the champion. #AustraliaSS
— BAI Media (@BAI_Media) June 25, 2017
The second game was no easy as well with Long trying to make a comeback. After starting the second game brightly, Srikanth lost control for a while as at break the score was 11-9. Soon after Srikanth was able to turn the game as he won by a big margin of 21-16.
This is the first time Srikanth has been able to beat Long. With this win, he has become the No.1 shuttler in the world overtaking Son Wan Ho.
