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Srikanth Kidambi is aiming to become the second Indian man after Prakash Padukone to clinch the Denmark Open, a tournament that started in 1935. A win here will also make him the first Indian to emerge victorious in Denmark five years after Saina Nehwal’s triumph in 2012.
Here’s everything you need to know about today’s final:
Tournament Name: $750, 000 Danisa Denmark Open
Category: Superseries Premier
Venue: Odense, Denmark
Time: (8) Srikanth Kidambi vs Lee Hyun Il final is scheduled last on the court after four matches. It is expected to begin at approx. 7.30-8pm IST
Channel: Star Sports 1/Star Sports 1 HD
Live streaming: Star Sports Hotstar
Preview:
(8) Srikanth Kidambi (WR #8) vs Lee Hyun Il (WR #22)
Head-to-head: First meeting
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When all eyes were set on a possible summit clash between the eighth seeded Srikanth Kidambi and the top seed Son Wan Ho, veteran Korean Lee Hyun Il spoiled the party, sending his compatriot out in three gruelling games in the semi-finals.
At 37, he is playing better than even his younger rivals and fans got a glimpse of his outstanding stamina in the semi-final that lasted 1 hour 32 minutes. The 2006 World Championships bronze medallist has years of experience behind him and is familiar with playing in high-voltage matches.
But he is coming up against a man, who is in the form of his life. Srikanth Kidambi is carrying on in Denmark with the same confidence and conviction that he showed in his twin Superseries wins at the Indonesia Open and the Australian Open. If nothing else, his stunning three-game upset of the World No.1 and world champion Viktor Axelsen validates the self-assurance that he now has.
This will be a clash of styles. While Srikanth’s style is mainly attacking, the Korean will like to prolong rallies and put on a defensive show. The Indian, however, has improved his defence a lot and can alternate between offense and defense with elan.
So, the Korean needs to be at his best to do some serious damage to Srikanth’s game. Having played for more than an hour and a half on Saturday, it remains to be seen how much he can produce against the irrepressible Indian, who has been highly unfazed under pressure throughout the week in Odense.
