Srikanth Kidambi conquers French Open title and made four

On the apex of happiness, Srikanth marked himself as the first Indian to win the fourth super series title of the year clinching French Open Championship in Paris on Sunday. World no. 4 Srikanth demolished Kenta Nishimoto of Japan with 21-14, 21-13 in just 34 minutes and transcended Saina Nehwal who earlier had won three super series titles in 2010.

Srikanth held the spectators spellbound with his spectacular accomplishments this year and there would be no amazement if the player conquers the world no 1 spot.

Out of 79 entries in the men’s singles category from 27 countries, Srikanth and Nishimoto stood shining in the finals. The match at ‘City of love’ was much anticipated from Srikanth, who earlier executed his ability of defeating the top players which includes his recent win over Axelsen in Denmark Open Quarters.

The opener was close-packed between the opponents which started with the early lead of Srikanth and followed by the exchange of the leads between the duos and reached the half time in his advantage with 11-10. The Japanese, who was very close till then, scored only four points with his aggressive returns to stand beyond the ambit of the Indian. At the game point 20-14, Srikanth with his brilliant jump smash seized the game 21-14 in just 16 minutes.

Second game was completely in the Srikanth’s upper hand with four straight points to make the score 4-0 and was up 11-5 at the break. Later, denied his opponent from attacking, the prowess Indian continued his dominance and thrashed the Japanese with 21-13 and won the massive feat with an ease.

Previously, in the semi-finals, Srikanth defeated his compatriot, HS Prannoy with 14-21, 21-19, 21-18 in 62 minutes. The first game was initially in the favor of Prannoy, who maintained the lead till 7-3 followed by Srikanth’s 4 consecutive points to reach 7-7 and then 11-10 to Srikanth’s advantage. Prannoy continued his stats of constant growth in the game and seized the game with 21-14. The second game witnessed the close encounters between the Indians and reached 19-19, where Srikanth stretched the match to the decider after saving the game with 21-19 and then 21-18 in the decider.

After Prakash Padukone and Pullela Gopichand, Srikanth Kidambi with his amazing feats this year has now joined the league of greats; with two back-to-back super series titles at Indonesia and Australia, Denmark and France.

Srikanth has fastened his place at the top of Destination Dubai rankings and would be a prime contender for the Super Series Final title in December.