Hong Kong Open: Kidambi Srikanth loses in the semi-finals
The Indian challenge ended as Kidambi Srikanth went down fighting to local boy Lee Chik Yu of Hong Kong in two straight sets by 9-21, 23-25 in the semi-finals of Super 500 Hong Kong Open played on Saturday. It was not an ideal start for the Indian as Lee played with aggression and did not allow Srikanth to play his natural game. At the mid game interval, Lee had a commanding lead of 11-3. After the interval, Srikanth took few points in succession, but Hong Kong player just demonstrated great drop shots and smashes which put the Indian on the back-foot. Lee won the first game easily at 21-9. In the second game, Srikanth had a much better start taking an early 5-1 lead. Lee Chik Yu played with positive intent and created pressure on the Indian with brilliant drop shots and smashes. At the interval, Srikanth had a 11-8 lead. After the interval, the Indian attacked the Hong Kong player and put the local boy under pressure to take a 20-13 lead. Lee showed great fighting spirit to s...