In a nail-biting men\u2019s singles quarter-final clash, Srikanth edged past France\u2019s world No. 18 Toma Junior Popov 24-22, 17-21, 22-20 in a marathon encounter that lasted one hour and 14 minutes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Currently ranked 65th in the world, Srikanth had to dig deep in the deciding game after trailing at the mid-game break. With his trademark resilience, the Indian shuttler clawed his way back to win his fourth match in six meetings against Popov and secure his first semi-final appearance of the season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
This marks Srikanth\u2019s best result on the BWF World Tour since his semi-final run at the Swiss Open Super 300 in March 2024. The Indian started the match strongly, racing to a 7-4 lead in the opening game. However, Popov recovered quickly and even held a game point at 21-20. Srikanth showed his composure to turn the tables and clinch the game 24-22.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The second game saw the momentum shift as Popov went into the break with a four-point cushion. Srikanth managed to level the score at 15-all but couldn\u2019t maintain the tempo, eventually conceding the game 17-21.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In the decider, Srikanth once again found himself four points behind at the mid-game interval. But showing tremendous grit and court awareness, he mounted an inspired comeback to outlast Popov in a tense finish and move into the last four.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Srikanth had earlier defeated Ireland\u2019s world No. 33 Nhat Nguyen in the pre-quarterfinals. He will now face Japan\u2019s world No. 22 Yushi Tanaka in the semi-final on Saturday. Tanaka had earlier knocked out India's HS Prannoy in the round of 16.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Meanwhile, India's mixed doubles hopes ended in the quarter-finals. Tanisha Crasto and Dhruv Kapila went down fighting 22-24, 13-21 to China\u2019s Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin, bronze medallists at the 2023 World Championships.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Srikanth had earlier defeated Ireland\u2019s world No. 33 Nhat Nguyen in the pre-quarterfinals. He will now face Japan\u2019s world No. 22 Yushi Tanaka in the semi-final on Saturday. Tanaka had earlier knocked out India's HS Prannoy in the round of 16.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Also Read: <\/b> LIVE Cricket Score<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n