K. Srikanth to face Lin Dan in the final of China Open Superseries Premier

K. Srikanth

It was a double joy for the Indian shuttlers as after Saina Nehwal, Kidambi Srikanth also made it to the finals of $ 700,000 Thaihot China Open Superseries Premier.

The 21-year-old Indian, who is ranked 16th in the world thrashed the World no. 25 German shuttler Mark Zwiebler 21-11 13-7(ret) in the semi-final match which lasted for just 24 minutes.

Srikanth, who upsatged the World No. 12 Japanese shuttler Kento Momota in the quarters was in complete control of the match from the word go as he took a strong four points lead at the mid game interval of the first game.

Leading by 13-8 points, Srikanth further increased his lead by grabbing the next four points in quick succession to take the scores to 17-8. With such a huge lead, Srikanth faced no difficulty in pocketing the opening game 21-11.

The econd game lasted for just 10 minutes as the German shuttler retired when he was trailing 7-13.

With this win Srikanth Kidambi became the first ever Indian men’s singles player to make it through to the finals of China Open Superseries Premier.

In the Championship match Srikanth will play the 5 time World Champion, 2 time Olympic Champion and home favourite Lin Dan. Lin Dan, who is currently ranked 14 in the world defeated the World No. 8 Taipei shuttler Tien Chen Chou 21-17 21-17 in the second semifinal.

With this win, Srikanth has also increased his chances of playing in the BWF Superseries finals, which will be held in UAE in December.