INDIA’S K. Srikanth pulled off the biggest upset of his career after a historic victory over five-time world champion Lin Dan in the final of the China Open yesterday.
Srikanth, 21, who bowed out tamely to the two-time Olympic champion in their previous two meetings, turned the tables this time with a 21-19, 21-17 win en route to his first ever Super Series Premier title.
This is also the first time that any Indian male shuttler has won the Super Series since it was introduced by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) in 2007.
There was more cheers for India as women’s singles Saina Nehwal also came out tops with a 21-12, 22-20 win over Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi.
Meanwhile, Malaysia’s Tan Chun Seang and Chow Pak Chu-Mak Hee Chun fell in the final of the Malaysia International Challenge in Kuching.
Chun Seang, a former BA of Malaysia (BAM) shuttler, went down 17-21, 21-16, 21-11 to South Korea’s Lee Hyun Il.
Pak Chu-Hee Chun, who are also professionals, were beaten by Taiwan’s Yu Lin Chia-Wu Hsiao Lin 21-12, 10-21, 22-20. By Fabian Peter
India’s K. Srikanth celebrates after beating Lin Dan 21-19, 21-17 in the China Open yesterday. AFP pic