Kidambi Srikanth finished second in the US Open Super 300 after losing to Su Li-yang

Kidambi Srikanth (AFP Photo) NEW DELHI: India’s Kidambi Srikanth finished runner-up at the US Open Super 300 badminton tournament after losing a hard-fought men’s singles final to China’s Su Li-yang of Taipei. The 33-year-old former world number one showed great resilience as she recovered from losing the opening game but eventually lost 15-21, 21-16, 9-21 in a physically demanding match that lasted just over an hour.Srikanth, who was playing his first final of the season, started brightly but lost momentum after an uncharacteristic error when his racket flew over the net during the forehand. Despite struggling to level the scores midway through the opening game, Su turned up the intensity after the break and used his speed and deceptive shooting to take control and secure the first game.The second match was much closer, with both players matching each other point for point. Srikanth showcased his experience and sharp net play and took control in the middle stages of the game. Despite a late challenge from Su, the Indian held his nerve and won several game points before sealing the game with a powerful smash down the line to force a decisive third game.

Su dominates the final game and takes the first title

However, it was the younger Su who played aggressively and never allowed Srikanth to settle down. The Chinese Taipei player maintained a relentless pace and built up a comfortable lead. Mixing brilliant winners with unforced errors, Srikanth was also frustrated after the umpire chairman denied him permission to change his shirt during the game.Su continued to dominate the rally and ended up with 12 championship points. Although Srikanth saved one, Su closed out the match to win his first career BWF World Tour title, while Srikanth had to settle for another runner-up finish.