Kidambi Srikanth’s China Masters Run Ends In Quarterfinals

Kidambi Srikanth’s campaign at the China Masters Super 750 came to an end on Friday as the former world No. 1 suffered a straight-game defeat against Hong Kong’s Lee Cheuk Yiu in the quarterfinals.

The 33-year-old Indian went down 16-21, 16-21 to the world No. 25 in a 39-minute contest, ending his hopes of making a deep run in the prestigious tournament.

Srikanth had entered the quarterfinals with confidence after producing an impressive performance in the previous round, where he defeated Canada’s world No. 9 Victor Lai 21-18, 21-19.

Against Lee Cheuk, however, the Indian struggled to maintain his early momentum. Srikanth made a bright start to the opening game, taking a 3-0 lead, but the Hong Kong shuttler quickly found his rhythm. A six-point run helped Lee Cheuk move 14-6 ahead, putting Srikanth under considerable pressure.

Although the Indian attempted a comeback, Lee Cheuk remained composed and closed out the opening game 21-16.

The second game was far more competitive. Srikanth raced to a 4-0 lead, but Lee Cheuk immediately responded to level the score. The two players then engaged in a closely fought battle, with neither able to establish a decisive advantage. The score stood at 15-15 before Lee Cheuk produced the crucial burst.

He won three consecutive points to move 18-15 ahead and followed it with another three-point streak to seal the match.

Lee Cheuk will now face world No. 2 Christo Popov of France in the semifinals.