The conditions are slow at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall, Viktor Axelsen is undoubtedly the world’s best player at the moment and Srikanth Kidambi can be hit-and-miss on any day. These were known facts before their round of 32 match at the India Open Super 750 on Wednesday.
So a straight-games win for Axelsen against Srikanth shouldn’t result in what could only be described as a little bit incredible. Not because of the 21-14, 21-19 scoreline in 41 minutes. But because of the manner in which it ended.
In the second game, Srikanth had a massive nine-point lead at 14-5. He was bouncing around on the court, his attacking game firing, the crowd roaring, the arena buzzing, and Axelsen wondering what the heck hit him. But in a turn of events as extreme as Srikanth’s lead felt, the Danish superstar masterminded a Houdini Act to break himself free – not with magic, but with the steadiness that comes with the belief he possesses at the moment – to complete the win in 41 minutes.
“I still can’t believe I managed to win that match,” Axelsen told BWF in the mixed zone, still catching his breath.
“I didn’t feel at all good in the second game,…
