French Open 2017: Kidambi Srikanth beats Kenta Nishimoto to clinch title
This is Kidambi Srikanth's fourth Super Series title this year, after having recently won Denmark Open.
Paris: Kidambi Srikanth continued his brilliant run of form as he defeated Kenta Nishimoto of Japan 21-14, 21-13 to clinch the French Open Super Series title here on Sunday.
Having already completed a hat-trick of Super Series titles, Srikanth was aiming to win his fourth title of the season and he achieved that feat with a win over Nishimoto in final.
With this win, Srikanth has become the first Indian to win four Super Series titles in a calendar year.
The Japanese, who is world number 40, had beaten Anders Antonsen 21-17 21-15 in the semifinal to set up a final showdown against the Indian shuttler.
On Saturday, Srikanth's dream season turned even better with his fifth entry into the Super Series final as he entered the final of the French Open Super Series.
In an all-India semi-final, Srikanth, who won the Denmark Open last week, beat compatriot HS Prannoy 14-21 21-18 21-19 in 62 minutes.
Srikanth once again showed his stamina and ability to take the match deep even after Prannoy started on a rousing note with 21-14 victory in the first game.
It was a battle on even keel during the next two games as Srikanth's big match temperament came to the fore during big points.