India’s Kidambi Srikanth has bowed out of the 2016 Rio Olympics in the quarterfinal stage of the competition, but not before putting forth a mighty spirited performance, losing 6-21 21-11 18-21 to the reigning Olympic champion Lin Dan of China on Thursday.
There was very little to talk about as far as the Indian was concerned in the opening game, as Lin made the most of the nerves that were on display from the Indian. The Chinese dominated the proceedings all the way to win the game 21-6.
It seemed like we were heading for a quick finish, but the Indian had other ideas. With a combination of cross court shots and down the line smashes, he clawed his way back into the match. He was helped by the fact that Lin made several unforced errors, and he led 11-5 at the break.
After the interval, Srikanth sustained his momentum and piled on the pressure on his opponent with his attacking style of play. He eventually clinched the game 21-11 to take the match into a decider.
In the decider it was Lin who was off the blocks first, taking a quick 2-0 lead. But Srikanth soon began to fight his way into the contest and once again, troubled Lin with his smashes, leading 11-8 at the break.
It was time for the Chinese to bring all his experience into play and he did just that, mixing his shots very well; at the 14-14 mark, he began to regain control of the proceedings. But Srikanth didn’t relent and continued to peg back the Chinese at all points to keep the match on a knife’s edge.
The trurning point arrived at the 19-18 mark, when Srikanth made a forehand error at the net to give the Chinese three match points. A few moments later, it was all over for the Indian, ending his campaign on a disappointing note.
Lin will face Lee Chong Wei in the semifinals.
