Srikanth clinches the Indonesia SSP MS title with straight games victory over Sakai

KIDAMBI SRIKANTH clinches the Indonesia Super Series Premier men's singles title after a comfortable win over Kazumasa Sakai 21-11, 21-19.

MS podium. Congratulations, Kidambi Srikanth! 🇮🇳#IndonesiaSSP pic.twitter.com/2ZncldSH4t

— Seputar Bulutangkis (@bulutangkisINA) June 18, 2017

The opening game was won quite easily by the Indian, under 13 minutes. In the second game, the Japanese came alive as he held a 5 point lead at the interval.

But post the interval, Srikanth found his way back in the game, levelling the scores at 13-13 and from that point, things changed.

Srikanth mentioned about the same post the match,

"Sakai was at his best in the second game, leading comfortably at the interval but when I levelled it at 13-13, I think that's when things changed and I came back alive in the game."

Post that too, it was a closely fought contest as both kept hitting back and forth at each other. Then the game once again levelled at 19-19 and tensions of fans was on the rise. But the Indian turned it into celebration after sealing following two points and finishing things in straight games.

Srikanth thanked coach Handoyo,

"I think after this tournament, Handoyo will hold a special place in my heart. I can't thank him enough for his guidance and support."

This win gives Srikanth's ranking immense boost, as high as No. 3, his career best.

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