Kidambi Srikanth Storms Into US Open Final After Semifinal Thriller

Star Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth powered his way into the men’s singles final of the US Open Super 300 badminton championships after a gripping three-game victory over Japan’s Yudai Okimoto here on Saturday.

The former world No. 1 and 2021 World Championships silver medallist registered a hard-fought 22-20, 15-21, 21-19 win in a tense semifinal that lasted 72 minutes , marking his first final appearance of the season . Srikanth, currently ranked 38th, will now face Chinese Taipei’s Su Li Yang (World No. 46) in the summit clash.

The match swung dramatically between momentum shifts, testing Srikanth’s patience and experience. He began strongly, racing to a 9-5 lead and stretching it to 17-10 , appearing in control. However, Okimoto staged a remarkable comeback, winning 10 of the next 12 points to earn game point. The Indian responded under pressure, holding his nerve to clinch the opening game 22-20.

In the second game, Okimoto raised his level, controlling rallies and maintaining a slender advantage. He led 11-9 at the interval and gradually pulled away to take the game 21-15 , forcing a decider.

The final game saw Srikanth rediscover his attacking rhythm, opening a 10-5 lead . But Okimoto once again fought back to go ahead 13-12 , putting the Indian under pressure. Srikanth, however, showed his trademark composure, launching a strong response with six consecutive points to move to 18-13 .

Just when it seemed over, Okimoto clawed back to level at 18-18 , setting up a tense finish. At the crucial stage, Srikanth held his nerve, using his experience and controlled aggression to close out the match and seal his place in the final.

Elsewhere, India’s Rounak Chouhan saw his breakthrough run end in the semifinals after a narrow 17-21, 19-21 defeat to Su Li Yang, while Devika Sihag , who had earlier impressed in the tournament, bowed out in the women’s singles semifinals following a 21-15, 11-21, 15-21 loss to Denmark’s Line Christophersen .

With Srikanth advancing to the final, India remains in contention for a title in the prestigious Super 300 event, highlighting a strong week for Indian badminton on the international stage.