Lagatar24 Desk
Madrid, Dec 19: Kidambi Srikanth created history by becoming the first Indian shuttler to enter the final in the men’s singles category of the BWF World Championships in Huelva.
The former world number one Srikanth rallied to defeat Lakshya Sen by 17-21, 21-14, 21-17 in a match that lasted for one hour and nine minutes.
Kidambi will now fight for the gold medal in a match against the winner of the second semi-final which is to be played between Denmark’s Anders Antonsen and Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew.
The Indian shuttler who was chasing the game at the start entered the first game interval with an 11-8 lead. But Kidambi soon levelled the game at 17-17 after the resumption.
However, Sen didn’t lose his composure and forced Kidambi to do errors under pressure with some deft touches. He took four straight points to end the first game.
In the second game the world-number-19 raced to an 8-4 lead. But his senior compatriot fought back strongly and took the two-point lead at the mid-game break.
With a brilliant performance, Kidambi widened the gap with a 16-12 lead. Although Sen tried to claw back in the game but Srikanth held his nerves to force the decider.
The third game went back and forth as both shuttlers found themselves level at 7-7. But it was the Indian shuttler who took the three points advantage in the mid-game interval of the deciding game.
Just when we thought this year couldn't get better 😍
Congratulations @srikidambi for becoming the first ever Male & 3rd 🇮🇳 shuttler to reach the final at #WorldChampionships 💥
Go for gold! 🤞🥇#BWFWorldChampionships2021#IndiaontheRise#Badminton
📸 Badminton Photo pic.twitter.com/ZeOo2Gzlen— BAI Media (@BAI_Media) December 18, 2021
