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 shuttler took less than 30 minutes to outclass Chinese Cheng Long in straight games 22-20, 21-16.
Chen Long is a former Olympic champion, having clinched gold in badminton in the Rio Olympics. The world number 6 had defeated Lee Hyun Il of South Korea in a tough three-game battle in the other semi-final before facing off Srikanth.
This was also the second straight Super Series title for Srikanth, who had only last week secured the Indonesian Open. The Australian Open Super Series victory also makes Srikanth, the world number 11, the first Indian in men’s category to attain number 1 position in Destination Dubai rankings.
Hailing from Guntur, Srikanth has had a prolific run, defeating fourth seed Shi Yuqi of China on Saturday to reach the Australia Open Superseries badminton final. The 24-year-old took only 37 minutes to outplay Yuqi 21-10, 21-14.
Srikanth had earlier finished runner-up at the Singapore Open before winning the Indonesia Open title.
Praises have been pouring on social media for the young badminton player and his commendable performance in the series. Notable sportpersons as well as politicians have congratulated Srikanth and say that he has made India proud.
45 minutes to defeat the current Olympic champion.
— Sorabh Pant (@hankypanty) June 25, 2017
This @srikidambi is a real force in Indian sport.
A calm tornado of smashes.
Kudos.
Congratulations @srikidambi on beating reigning Olympic & World Champion Chen Long & winning a 4th Superseries title. Take a bow, Srikanth ! pic.twitter.com/qNP2e9PXIv
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) June 25, 2017
Congratulation @srikidambi Srikanth on winning Australian Open Super Series title. You have made #India proud.
— Rajat Sharma (@RajatSharmaLive) June 25, 2017
Kidambi Srikanth beating Chen Long is a real big deal. The Chinese champ is one of the three best players of this decade.
— Sachin Kalbag (@SachinKalbag) June 25, 2017
Played like a true champion! Congratulations to ace shuttler @srikidambi on winning the Australian Open Super Series. #Proud
— Vasundhara Raje (@VasundharaBJP) June 25, 2017
Congratulations Srikanth on winning Australian Open Super Series title. You have made #India proud. @srikidambi
— M Venkaiah Naidu (@MVenkaiahNaidu) June 25, 2017
Congrats @srikidambi for a stunning victory in #AustralianSS! Proud moment for India! May you have many more victories ahead!
— Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) June 25, 2017
What a player he is..treat to watch some attacking badminton by #KidambiSrikanth.Kudos ! Jai Hind
— Amit kumar (@amitlj1994) June 25, 2017
What a player he is..treat to watch some attacking badminton by #KidambiSrikanth.Kudos ! Jai Hind
— Amit kumar (@amitlj1994) June 25, 2017
Excellent performance @srikidambi.Congrats, you have made the country proud and shown that mens badminton in India is a force to reckon with
— Mahesh Kamath (@manuninik) June 25, 2017
@srikidambi pic.twitter.com/q9ltJQZpkx
— Vishal Rocking⚡ (@VishalStyles) June 25, 2017
Just when I thought they all couldn't make us any prouder, @srikidambi goes and does this! #AustraliaSS #whatawin @GoSportsVoices @BAI_Media https://t.co/dB9pImJhVo
— Aparna Ravichandran (@tae5dan) June 25, 2017
2 Super Series wins in 2 weeks.
— Gabbbar (@GabbbarSingh) June 25, 2017
Kidambi Srikanth the best badminton player in the World right now.
(With IANS inputs)