COPENHAGEN: India’s dismal run at the ongoing Denmark Open continued as senior shuttler Kidambi Srikanth bowed out of the tournament following a hard-fought second-round defeat on Thursday. The former world number one went down against France's reigning world champion and world number eight, Alex Lanier, with a scoreline of 11-21, 21-15, 21-15 in a gripping contest lasting an hour and six minutes.
For the majority of the match, Srikanth looked like the more likely winner. The veteran Indian shuttler displayed clinical control in the opening game, pocketing it comfortably. However, Lanier bounced back strongly to claim the second game and force a decider.
The momentum swung fiercely in the third game, where Srikanth clawed his way back to seize a 15-13 lead. Just as a victory seemed within touching distance, a dramatic collapse unfolded. The Indian experienced a sudden slump, conceding eight consecutive points on the stretch to hand Lanier the game, the match, and a ticket to the next round.
Men's Challenge Ends for India
Srikanth's elimination marks the definitive end of India’s campaign in the men's events at the tournament. The contingent faced setbacks earlier as well, with Lakshya Sen and Ayush Shetty bowing out in the opening round, while the star men’s doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty suffered a shock early exit.
Mixed Fortunes in Other Categories
While the men's side faltered, there was some relief in the women's events. The women's doubles duo of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand pulled off a stunning win against fifth seeds Rachel Allessya Rose and Febi Setianingrum of Indonesia, triumphing 21-16, 21-17 to book a spot in the quarterfinals. Despite a shaky start where they trailed 11-9 in the opener, the pair staged a brilliant comeback and maintained dominance.
Meanwhile, Ashmita Chaliha put up a spirited fight against third seed and three-time world champion Akane Yamaguchi of Japan, but ultimately went down 21-18, 21-10. Tanvi Sharma remains tasked with keeping the Indian challenge alive in the women's singles as she prepares to face Germany's Yvonne Li—the same opponent who knocked out Indian ace PV Sindhu in the opening round. Unnati Hooda also exited the tournament earlier in the first round.
