Korea Open: Kidambi Srikanth's Campaign Ends In SF. Blows Away 1st Game Lead Against Jonatan Christie

Korea Open Men's Singles: At 14-14 in the second game, Kidambi gave away five points in a row. The game was virtually over by this time. Srikanth lost the match by 21-19, 21-16. Full report below.

Kidambi Srikanth loses in Semi Final of Korea Open after a good start | Image: AFP

It was badminton of the highest order at the semi-final of the Korea Open. There were hardly any points to separate the two champion players, but eventually, Kidambi Srikanth bowed out of the SF by losing to Jonatan Christie 21-19, 21-16. 

At one point, Srikanth had a lead in the first game which he blew away and then Jonatan Christie never looked back. 

Here is how the match progressed:

First Game

Kidambi Srikanth led for most of the first game. After taking a 5-2 lead against the Indonesian, Srikanth blew it away by giving away three straight points. Srikanth was on top of his game as far as the drop points were concerned.

At the first interval, Srikanth led by 11-8, but then Christie made a strong comeback by keeping the points in check. He scored mostly off strong smashes. The drama continued as Srikanth blew his head towards the end of the first game. Srikanth who was leading till 16-17 lost it as Jonatan took his game a north up by delivering some powerful smashes. 

Eventually, the Indian seed was restricted at 21-19. 

Second Game

The second game was a contrasting one for Kadambi Srikanth. He was 8-11 at the interval of the second game, which is exactly the opposite of what the score was in the first game. Srikanth fought back hard, but Jonatan's defense was just too good for the Indian shuttler. 

Srikanth was 11-13, trailing by just two points when he brought out his A-game. Two smashes and another drop shot meant that Kidamb was now leading against the Indonesian. 

At 14-14, Kidambi gave away five points in a row. The game was virtually over by this time. Srikanth lost the match by 21-19, 21-16.

Earlier in the day, PV Sindhu lost in the semi-final of the Korea Open to second seed An Seyoung by 14-21, 17-21. It was a closely fought contest as PV Sindhu came as close as 17-18 in the second set.