Japan Masters: Kidambi Srikanth Stuns World No. 8 Kodai Naraoka; Lakshya Sen Storms into Quarterfinals

(Left to right): Kidambi Srikanth and Lakshya Sen advanced to the quarterfinals of the Japan Masters. Photo: Badminton Photo/BWF

Kidambi Srikanth pulled off a major upset at the Kumamoto Japan Masters, knocking out local favourite and World No. 8 Kodai Naraoka in a thrilling three-game encounter to advance to the quarterfinals at the Kumamoto Prefectural Gymnasium on November 12.

Joining him in the last eight is newly crowned Hylo Open champion Lakshya Sen, who continued his impressive run with a comfortable straight-game (21-8, 21-14) victory over China's Dong Tian Yao.

With both Indians progressing to the quarterfinals, it raised hope India's hopes for the season's second men's singles title.

Despite entering the contest with a daunting 0-4 head-to-head record against Naraoka, Srikanth showed tremendous composure to turn the tables on the Japanese shuttler. The former World No. 1 Indian took the opening game 21-15, producing a decisive seven-point run after trailing 12-14 to seize control.

Naraoka, backed by the home crowd, responded strongly in the second game to force a decider. The Japanese shuttler also made a positive start to the final game, putting Srikanth under pressure. However, the Indian refused to let the momentum slip away. He drew level…

Original source: https://www.timesnownews.com/sports