Srikanth makes light work of Wong, in summit clash
ODENSE: India’s Kidambi Srikanth stands a step away from his third Super Series Premier title after outwitting Hong Kong’s Wong Wing Ki Vincent in straight games to reach the final of the Denmark Open on Saturday. The 25-year-old Indian, defeated Wong 21-18, 21-17 .
Srikanth and Wong split the initial six points before the Indian moved ahead with his rival struggling. He eventually had a healthy 11-6 lead after dominating a net exchange. Wong made it 10-13 after the interval but Srikanth showed better anticipation to lead 15-10.
A body smash helped Wong to make it 12-15 and then 15-18 but Srikanth didn’t lose his patience. Srikanth went into game point when Wong returned into the net.
In the second game, Srikanth zoomed to a 4-0 lead but a few unforced errors helped Wong to make it 3-4 in his favour. He then unleashed a smash to claw back. The Indian again surged to 7-5 lead when Wong served out.
Srikanth, showed great athleticism when he dived and then smashed to grab a point to make it 8-6. However, Wong managed to surpass the Indian and pocket a 11-9 lead at the break. After the break, Srikanth, reeled off three straight points to turn the tables.
A net error from Wong gave him another point but the Indian hit wide. He then pushed the shuttle to the back to grab three match points and converted it after winning a long rally.
Earlier, Lee Hyun Il of South Korea, beat compatriot and world No. 2 Son Wan Ho 25-23, 18-21, 21-17 in the other men’s singles semi-final.