- By Samannay Sen
- Mon, 29 Jun 2026 04:15 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
- Srikanth looked in fine touch throughout the tournament and raised hopes of ending his nine-year BWF title drought.
- At 33, Srikanth faced an opponent nine years younger and fresher.
- Once the Indian lost momentum, Su Li Yang raced through an eight-point burst.
Indian badminton fans were disappointed once again as Kidambi Srikanth's wait for a BWF World Tour title continued. The former World No. 1 fell short in the men's singles final of the US Open 2026 badminton tournament after suffering a 21-15, 16-21, 21-9 defeat against Chinese Taipei's Su Li Yang in California on Sunday.
Srikanth looked in fine touch throughout the tournament and raised hopes of ending his nine-year BWF title drought. However, despite producing a spirited comeback in the second game, the Indian veteran couldn't keep up with the pace in the decider and had to settle for yet another runner-up finish.
It was his fourth final defeat in the BWF Championships after finishing second at the Syed Modi International, Malaysia Masters, and India Open.
What Went Wrong?
Srikanth looked sharp throughout the tournament and showed glimpses of his vintage form. However, several factors combined to deny him the title when it mattered the most.
Age and Physical Fatigue
At 33, Srikanth faced an opponent nine years younger and fresher. His energy reserves appeared to take a major hit after an exhausting semifinal against Japan's Yudai Okimoto.
While he managed to fight back brilliantly in the second game of the final, his movement slowed considerably in the decider, leading to unforced errors and mistimed smashes.
Shirt Change Controversy
One of the biggest talking points came during the interval of the deciding game. Visibly drenched in sweat, Srikanth requested permission to change his shirt. However, the chair umpire denied the request after the interval time had already expired.
The incident appeared to affect the Indian shuttler mentally. He struggled to regain his rhythm after the interruption and his frustration became evident as the match slipped further away.
Su Li Yang's Relentless Attack
Credit also goes to Su Li Yang, who maintained a high tempo throughout the contest. The Chinese Taipei shuttler increased the pace of the rallies in the final game and capitalised on Srikanth's fitness.
Once the Indian lost momentum, Su Li Yang raced through an eight-point burst that completely tilted the match in his favour before sealing the championship.
What's Next For Srikanth?
Despite another heartbreaking runner-up finish, Srikanth's performances throughout the season have shown encouraging signs of consistency.
The Indian star is expected to continue his campaign in the upcoming BWF World Tour events, where he will once again look to end his prolonged title drought and carry this form into the remainder of the 2026 season.