Kidambi Srikanth made history by becoming the first Indian male to win the coveted French Open that eventually became his 4th Super Series title this year. In 2010, Saina Nehwal became the only Indian to win four Super Series titles in a year. In the process, Srikanth also joined an elite group of male shuttlers to win four Super Series titles in a calendar year. Badminton great Lin Dan, Lee Chong Wei and Chen Long were the only three players to have accomplished this feat.
Kidambi Srikanth took just 34 minutes to calm down Japanese qualifier Kento Nishimoto in the final at the Stade Pierre De Coubertin. The result reads 21-14, 21-13. Nishimoto was just the seventh qualifier to reach a men’s singles Superseries final in 11 years but he was completely outplayed by the Indian. Going by Srikanth’s current form, it was expected to be a one-sided summit clash.
Nishimoto started positively to race to a 9-5 lead in the first game. But Srikanth fought back to draw level at 9-9. From there on it was no looking back as the Indian used his court coverage and superior technique to take the first game by 21-14. In the second game Srikanth used his experience to claim the game by 21-13.
“I feel good winning two titles in two weeks. I am lucky to pull off some close matches this week. I thank everyone who helped me doing this,” an elated Srikanth said after the win.
