As the quarterfinal matches ended at the Australian Open World Superseries, Kidambi Srikanth was the last man standing for India. P. V. Sindhu and Saina Nehwal bowed out of the tournament after fighting hard in their respective matches. Let’s see how things rolled out for them.
Srikanth defeats Praneeth:
It was a rematch of the Singapore Open final which took place in April. But this time around the result turned out to be in Srikanth’s favor as he beat teammate Sai Praneeth and entered the semis. Talking about their game, both the Indians were at their best and determined to get through this showdown. However, after a grueling first set, the World No.11 sealed it 25-23. As the match progressed in the second game, the tie-up intensified. But it was Kidambi Srikanth who took home the second set by 21-17 and stormed into the penultimate battle at the Australian Open 2017.
Kidambi Srikanth beat Sai Praneeth to enter semis.
Hard fight for Sindhu:
As expected, the showdown between P.V. Sindhu and Tai Tzu-ying went down to the wire which was a thrilling encounter. In the first game, the top seed Tai seemed off-color which enabled Sindhu to earn some essential points. The player from Chinese Taipei was never really into the first game. Eventually, it was the fifth seed who clinched the first set 21-10.
P. V. Sindhu exulting after winning a point
Even though Tzu-ying was one set down in the match, she came back strongly in the second game. Pushing the Indian to her limits amidst a neck-to-neck battle as none of them was ready to let go. There was a point in the match where the score was 20-19, the match point in Sidhu’s favor. But an error off her racquet cost her dearly as Tai leveled the match winning the seal second set 22-20.
Playing some terrific shots throughout the game, it had come down to the final set to decide who will contest the semi-finals. Just as the second set, this too was a tight one. In the end, Tai Tzu-ying showcased through her play as to why she is the World No. 1. with some brilliant shot making ability and deception power, winning from the verge of a humiliating loss.
Saina Nehwal also had to face an upset as the sixth seed Sun Yu upstaged her in an enthralling encounter winning over her by 21-17, 10-21, 21-17.
Now all sights are on the in-form Kidambi Srikanth who takes on the 4th seed Shi Yuqi from China in the semifinal. Hopefully, he will bring us some good news. Good luck for the next match!
