The badminton courts of Basel, Switzerland, witnessed a display of resilience and determination from Indian shuttlers at the Swiss Open Super 300 tournament. While the journey ended for some, Kidambi Srikanth emerged as the lone Indian survivor, battling his way into the semi-finals.
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Kidambi Srikanth, a player with a proven track record (including a silver medal at the 2021 World Championships), has been searching for momentum this season. This tournament seems to be his turning point. Having played in seven tournaments already in 2024, Srikanth finally found his rhythm, securing a comfortable straight-game victory over Chinese Taipei’s Chia Hao Lee in the quarter-finals. The scoreline of 21-10, 21-14 reflects his dominant performance, achieved in just 35 minutes.
featuring srikanth kidambi masterclass pic.twitter.com/muNkSKNQJ5
— Ankhi Dutta (@ankhitweets) March 20, 2024
This victory marks a significant milestone for Srikanth. It’s his first semi-final appearance in 16 months, signifying a return to form after a period of not reaching the latter stages of tournaments. His last semi-final appearance was at the Hylo Open in November 2022.
Kidambi Srikanth’s next challenge comes in the form of another Chinese Taipei player, world no. 22 Lin Chun-Yi. This match promises to be an exciting battle, and Srikanth will be aiming to capitalize on the momentum he has built.
While Srikanth’s story is one of resurgence, the Swiss Open also saw valiant efforts from other Indian shuttlers. Kiran George displayed exceptional fighting spirit in his quarter-final clash against Denmark’s Rasmus Gemke. The match was a nail-biting encounter, with George pushing his opponent to the limit. Though he ultimately fell short, losing 23-21, 17-21, 15-21, his performance showcased his potential and fighting spirit.
#Badminton: Kidambi Srikanth storms into Men’s Singles Semifinal of #SwissOpen at Basel.#SwissOpen2024 pic.twitter.com/iLaUWdozvO
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) March 23, 2024
Another young Indian prospect, Priyanshu Rajawat, also showcased his talent. Facing the experienced Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei, Rajawat put up a commendable fight. The match lasted 43 minutes, and although Rajawat couldn’t secure the win (losing 15-21, 19-21), he displayed impressive skills and determination against a well-established opponent.
The Swiss Open, though not a complete success story for all Indian participants, has provided valuable insights. Srikanth’s resurgence offers a ray of hope, and his upcoming semi-final match will be one to watch. The performances of George and Rajawat, while not resulting in victories, showcase the talent pool that India possesses in badminton. As the season progresses, these young players will have opportunities to learn, improve, and hopefully replicate Srikanth’s success in future tournaments.
