Sydney, June 25 (IANS): Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth stayed committed in his dominating run to clinch the Australian Open Super Series men's singles final here on Sunday.
The Indian took less than 30 minutes to outclass Olympic champion Cheng Long of China in straight games 22-20, 21-16.
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Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth along with the team management after winning the Australian Open summit clash in Sydney on Sunday. The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has announced a cash reward of Rs five lakh for Srikanth for his scintillating performance in Australia. PTI Photo[/caption]
This was the third straight Super Series final win for Srikanth who had only last week secured the Indonesian Open.
In the first game, the 24-year-old Srikanth played a perfect net game which troubled Long.
Tailing 17-19 in the last, Srikanth displayed some quality shots and smashes to make it 21-19. But the Chinese player made it 20-20 (deuce). A focused Srikanth then changed his strategy and started playing an attacking game to edge past the World No.6.
The second game saw a much improved performance from the Indian. In a totally contrasting game, Srikanth played long rallies. The Chinese shuttler struggled and surrendered the game.
BAI announces cash reward for Srikanth
Badminton Association of India (BAI) President Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a cash reward of Rs 5 lakh for Kidambi Srikanth after he won the Australian Open Superseries title in Sydney on Sunday.
Srikanth not only won his fourth superseries title but also became the only sixth badminton player in the world to make it to three consecutive superseries finals on the trot.
In the finals, the 24-year-old was up against Olympic champion Chen Long of China. The Guntur player was at his best against the World No. 6 and won 22-20, 21-16 comfortably.
Sarma congratulated Srikanth.
"We are really very proud of Srikanth for his achievements. It is simply phenomenal. He has not only made the whole country proud once again but has etched his name among the best and no word will be enough to praise Srikanth," Sarma said.
BAI Secretary General Anup Narang said: "It is indeed a very huge achievement for Srikanth and Indian badminton. The entire BAI is in a jubilant mood and I am sure so are the badminton fans across the country."
