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What’s The Story?
Kidambi Srikanth is having a dream run at the moment. After having secured a career-best ranking of world no 2 in the BWF World Rankings, he has all the chances of reaching the top spot in due course, if he wins the China Open Superseries Premier, beginning in Fuzhou on November 14.
In case you didn't know...
In the era of 90s, the computerised ranking system was introduced and from India it was Pullela Gopichand ranked No 4. Earlier, in the year 1980, Prakash Padukone was ranked No. 1.
Srikanth even went past his coach Gopichand’s feat in June 2015, when he became World No. 3. If he fails in China Open he will still have his opportunities in Hong Kong and Dubai Super Series Tournaments.
The Heart of the Matter:
There are essentially three ways in which Srikanth can overtake current world no 1 Viktor Axelsen. The first equation is quite simple. If both the shuttlers make it to the summit clash of the China Open Superseries in mid-November, it would basically be a case of winner takes it all. If Srikanth can beat Axelsen in the final, he will become world number one.
However, that is not the only way Srikanth can make it to the top. Essentially, Srikanth needs to ensure that he finishes the China Open at a better spot than Axelsen, in order to overtake the Dane. A minimum quarterfinal finish is required for this to happen, though.
What’s Next:
Srikanth is due to play the Senior Nationals in Nagpur from Nov 2. The 24-year-old is playing non-stop badminton from October 18 and it would be interesting to see if he can keep himself fit enough for China.
Author’s Take:
If Srikanth reaches the top spot it will be a sheer delight for all the badminton lovers in India. He has become a role model already and No. 1 spot is just a matter of time, it seems.
