Odense: India’s Kidambi Srikanth stands one step away from his third Super Series Premier title after he dished out a superlative display to outwit Hong Kong’s Wong Wing Ki Vincent in straight games to reach the men’s singles final of the $750,000 Denmark Open, here on Sunday.
The 25-year-old Indian, who clinched the Indonesia Open and Australian Open this year besides reaching the final of the Singapore Open, defeated Wong 21-18, 21-17 at the Odense Sports Park here.
A 2-2 head-to-head record in career meetings — all of which had gone to the decider — meant nothing as Srikanth towered over Wong, showing better control and anticipation in the 39-minute semifinal duel.
“I feel great. I really wanted to do well. Our game is similar but I was more patient and though I made some errors initially I learnt quickly. Next is Lee whom I have not played and I think he will be a tricky player to beat,” Srikanth said.
Srikanth and Wong split the initial six points before the Indian moved ahead with his rival struggling with the length of his shots. He eventually had a healthy 11-6 lead after dominating a net exchange.
Wong made it 10-13 after the interval but Srikanth showed better anticipation to lead 15-10. A body smash helped Wong to make it 12-15 and then 15-18 but Srikanth didn’t lose his patience and managed to control the rallies. Srikanth went into game point when Wong’s return got buried in the net.
