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The Indian star shuttler Kidambi Srikanth has scripted history by cruising into the final of the BWF World Badminton Championships here on Saturday.
Displaying immense character, the former world no.1 Srikanth staged a remarkable comeback to down young compatriot Lakshya Sen 17-21, 21-14, 21-17 and became the first Indian player to make it to the final of the showpiece event in the men's singles. Only two Indian men have achieved the feat of clinching medals in the BWF World Championships. First was the legendary Indian shuttler Prakash Padukone (bronze in 1983) and the second was Sai Praneeth (bronze in 2019).
Clashing swords in what was a historic match for Indian badminton, Srikanth raced to an early lead before his younger opponent pulled level at 2-2. Two more points and Srikanth was in lead again.
Then it was Sen's turn to briefly take an 8-7 lead but Srikanth immediately levelled it at 8-8.
The 20-year Sen regained the lead and at 13-10, he was looking confident of maintaining the momentum, but Srikanth drew level at 16-16.
Sen dominated from thereon to grab the first game and wrest the initiative.
However, Srikanth roared back into the contest with a flurry of smashes to take the second game and he continued in the same vein in the third game despite some fine defensive show by the 20-year-old to emerge winner in a match that lasted 69 minutes.
