Swiss Open 2021: Kidambi Srikanth cruises through to semifinals with a thumping win over Kantaphon Wangcharoen


Swiss Open 2021: Kidambi Srikanth cruises through to semifinals with a thumping win over Kantaphon Wangcharoen
Kidambi Srikanth
Kidambi Srikanth

Kidambi Srikanth became the second Indian to survive the quarterfinals along with PV Sindhu. The seeded Indian shuttler cruised through to the finals with an easy win over Thailand’s Kantaphon Wangcharoen. While a tough fight was expected from the Thai, Srikanth secured the win with straight sets of 21-19 and 21-15.

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The first set was a closely contested affair with both players on the heels of the other. In the end, it was Srikanth’s experience that prevailed. And the confidence of the first set oozed on to the second.  To start, Wangcharoen was all pumped to level the game and take it to a decider. But midway through, the former World Junior Bronze medallist lost rhythm. It was all Srikanth needed to seal the game in his favor. With the wi, he became only the second off the seven Indians who qualified for the quarters to make it to the semis.

Kidambi Srikanth’s journey so far

Kidambi Srikanth
Kidambi Srikanth (Image credits: DNA AFP)

Srikanth’s journey so far in the tournament has been one filled with closely contested games. The Indian shuttler kicked off his campaign against countryman Sameer Verma. Verma was impressive taking away the first game, 21-18, from his senior. The World no. 27 kept up his game as he led the second set until the halfway mark. It was then Srikanth bounced back as he toiled away to prolong the rallies and cut down on errors. After taking the second game, 21-18 Srikanth put all his experience to work as he thumped Verma in the final set to complete a thrilling comeback.

The second round saw Srikanth face-off with Thomas Rouxel in a 52 minutes long game. The 4th seeded Indian was yet again found struggling against the 50th rank Rouxel. Following a commanding start in the first set, 21-10, Srikanth took the foot off the gas to lose the second set 14-21. Fortunately for India, Srikanth regained his composure and rhythm, paving his way back into the game in the decider, finishing off 21-14.

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