Indian players achieved mixed results at the Malaysia Masters 2025 badminton tournament. Veteran Kidambi Srikanth showcased excellent play in the men's singles, reaching the semi-finals.
Sports News: India's veteran badminton player Kidambi Srikanth continued his impressive performance, advancing to the men's singles semi-finals at the Malaysia Masters. In the quarter-finals, Srikanth defeated higher-ranked Toma Junior Popov of France in a three-game match. Ranked 65th, Srikanth put up a b fight against the world number 18, Popov, winning 24-22, 17-21, 22-20 in an hour and 14 minutes to secure his place in the final four.
Kidambi Srikanth Displays Powerful Play
India's experienced badminton player Kidambi Srikanth gave a tough fight to France's Toma Junior Popov in the quarter-finals of the Malaysia Masters, winning 24-22, 17-21, 22-20 after three games to secure his semi-final berth. Srikanth, ranked 65th in the world, defeated the higher-ranked Popov (18th) in a match lasting one hour and 14 minutes.
The match was thrilling and competitive, with both players exhibiting excellent badminton. Srikanth won the first game 24-22, but the French player fought back to win the second 21-17. In the decisive third game, Srikanth, with b morale, won 22-20 to qualify for the semi-finals.
Semi-final Clash with Tanaka
Kidambi Srikanth's next match will be against Yushi Tanaka of Japan in the semi-finals. Tanaka is currently one of Japan's top men's singles players and defeated Toma Junior's brother, Christo Popov, in the quarter-finals 21-18, 16-21, 21-6. The match against Tanaka will be a significant challenge for Srikanth, as Tanaka's playing style and strength make him a formidable opponent.
Srikanth, a silver medalist at the World Championships and Asian Games, has reached the semi-finals of a major tournament for the first time this year, demonstrating his fitness and form.
Kapila-Kasto Pair's Defeat
Meanwhile, the Indian mixed doubles pair of Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto's journey in the Malaysia Masters ended in the quarter-finals. They put up a b fight against top-seeded Chinese pair Jiang Zhen Bang and Wei Ya Jin. Kapila-Crasto narrowly lost the first game 22-24, but the Chinese pair took the second 21-13, ultimately winning 2-0 in a 35-minute match. With this loss, Kapila and Crasto's Malaysia Masters 2025 campaign concluded.
