Swiss Open 2024: Kidambi Srikanth storms into semis; Priyanshu Rajawat, Treesa-Gayatri crash out

Former world no. 1, Srikanth, crushed Lee Chia Hao in straight sets

Indian badminton star Kidambi Srikanth has advanced to the semifinals of the Swiss Open 2024 with a brilliant performance.

Srikanth, struggling with form, defeated Chia Hao Lee of Chinese Taipei in straight sets (21-13, 21-14). The former World no 1 dominated the match throughout, taking an early lead in the first game and never letting Lee gain momentum. Lee attempted a comeback, scoring three consecutive points, but Srikanth regained momentum to establish an 11-5 lead.

The Indian continued his dominance throughout the first game, securing it 21-10. Lee, who had been in fine form, managed to make a game out of the second. However, Srikanth’s hot gameplay which involved a combination of attack and defense proved too strong as he secured the second game 21-14, ending Lee’s challenge.

This victory is a boost for Srikanth as he aims to qualify for the Paris Olympics 2024, and Srikanth’s success in Basel comes at an ideal time. However, there were also some disappointments on the day.

Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand, who have shown some signs of form at Swiss Open lost 14-21, 14-21 to Australia’s Setyana Mapasa and Angela Yu.

Despite being seeded higher, Jolly and Gopichand struggled against the Australians’ strong defense and attacks.

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In men’s singles too, Priyanshu Rajawat, who packed Chinese Lan Xi Lei in the pre-quarters, lost 15-21, 19-21 to fifth seed Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei. Rajawat started well in the second game but lost momentum due to errors.

Kiran George also went down in the quarterfinals after a challenging three-game match against Denmark’s Rasmus Gemke. In a battle that lasted over an hour, George fought valiantly but ultimately fell with scores of 23-21, 17-21, 15-21.

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