Mumbai: Lot of expectations from the Rio Olympics quarter-finalist Kidambi Srikanth faded out at Japan Open Super Series on Friday. Although the battle was not that easy and nor his efforts. K Srikanth fought hard but that wasn’t enough to carry on in the tournament.
The super exciting match, which went for almost an hour (58 minutes) came up with cut-throat scores of 21-18 14-21 19-21. The eighth seed and the highest ranked Indian men’s player, Kidambi Srikanth was placed in front of World No. 15 Marc Zwiebler of Germany. One of the reasons for high supposition was Srikanth’s record of 2-1 against the German, defeating him at China Open.
However both the players played like stars, their skills and timings is what differentiates them. Both of them installed best of their inputs to snatch the sweep, but Marc managed to grab two match points at 20-18. Srikanth saved one but the German sealed it at the next opportunity.
The eye-catchy match was no less than an adventurous roller coaster ride. Where major turn came in the middle of the opening game, where Srikanth had to push himself hard, to adrift five points of Marc at 10-15. But soon came the twist; Indian changed gears and accelerated to hook eight straight points from 12-16 and surpassed the German.
Although, the strategy of Marc was also worth appreciating. Marc saved two game points before Srikanth grabbed the opening game to be 1-0 up.
So, the first set left the match at an interesting angle. In the second game, Marc broke off at 6-6 and kept his nose ahead despite some spirited fight from Srikanth to level
the score at 1-1.
Finally, In the decider, it was another grueling battle but Srikanth managed to keep himself ahead for most part after opening up a 6-2 lead. However, Marc produced a rearguard action to not only catch up with the Indian at 16-16 but turn the tables at 18-16.
Match ended on a bad note for Indians, but we all hope the best of its kind to happen at Korea Open.