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Srikanth stuns Lin Dan to take China Open

( china.org.cn )

Updated: 2014-11-17

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Lin Dan suffered a shock defeat at the hands of unheralded Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth in the final of the China Open Super Series on Sunday.

Srikanth stuns Lin Dan to take China Open
Kidambi Srikanth makes history for India.

The 21-year-old Srikanth, who grew up idolizing the five-time world champion, beat Lin 21-19, 21-17 in the men's singles final in Fuzhou, southwest China's Fujian Province, for his first Super Series title.

Kidambi's win came shortly after senior compatriot Saina Nehwal won the Women's Singles title – giving India an unprecedented two titles at a World Superseries event.

China had to remain content with two titles from four finals: Zhang Nan/Zhao Yunlei (Mixed Doubles) and Yu Yang/Wang Xiaoli (Women's Doubles). Korea's Lee Yong Dae/Yoo Yeon Seong clinched the Men's Doubles over Chai Biao/Hong Wei.

For Lin, the defeat was his first in a final since the 2012 Korea Open to Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia.

Cheered by a vociferous crowd, Lin rallied to go up 19-17 in the first game but the Indian won four consecutive points to snatch the lead. Srikanth continued to put the 2008 and 2012 Olympic gold medalist under pressure in the second game and converted his second match point to seal a comprehensive victory.

"I'm glad to be in the final, it's a pity I could not win," Lin said.

"I was injured during the last month, so getting into the final made me happy. Srikanth played positively. The loss of the first game affected my mood. I hadn't practised the last few weeks, so I could not adjust my game."

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