India had a day of mixed emotions at the Syed Modi International Super 300 on Sunday. On one hand, Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand successfully defended their women’s doubles title, while Kidambi Srikanth faced disappointment in the men’s singles final, extending his title drought.
The women’s doubles champions put on an impressive performance, coming back from a game down to defeat Japan’s Kaho Osawa and Mai Tanabe, ranked 35th in the world, with scores of 17-21, 21-13, 21-15. Their thrilling match lasted over an hour and showcased their determination and skill.
In contrast, Srikanth, who won a silver medal at the 2021 World Championships, lost to Hong Kong’s Jason Gunawan in a tightly contested final, ending with scores of 16-21, 21-8, 20-22. This defeat marked another setback in Srikanth’s career, as he hasn’t won a title since the French Open in 2017, despite coming close earlier this year at the Malaysia Masters.
### Srikanth’s Ongoing Struggle
The final match started off poorly for Srikanth, who fell behind early as Gunawan quickly took a lead. Although Srikanth showed flashes of brilliance with some impressive shots, he couldn’t regain control, and Gunawan took the first game.
Things looked different in the second game, where Srikanth transformed his play. He started strong, mixing powerful smashes with excellent defensive plays, and managed to level the match with a convincing win in the second game.
However, the final game was a nail-biter. Srikanth initially led but saw Gunawan fight back to equalize at key moments. The match reached a tense 19-19 before Gunawan secured the victory with a decisive smash.
After the match, Srikanth reflected, “It was a good event for me overall. It was close, and a few points made the difference. Jason played really well.” He acknowledged the challenges of returning from injuries and emphasized the support he received from his coaches.
### Treesa and Gayatri Shine Bright
Earlier in the day, Treesa and Gayatri showcased their skills and teamwork. They rallied back after losing the first game, showing remarkable growth since Gayatri’s return from a shoulder injury.
Their match began with an intense rally, setting the tone for the competition. The Japanese pair took an early lead, but Treesa’s powerful smashes helped bring India back. Despite losing the first game, the duo quickly adapted and dominated in the second.
In the deciding game, they took control early on and held their composure despite brief lapses. Their strong communication and smart plays led them to victory, with Treesa’s net skills and Gayatri’s aggressive shots sealing the match.
“We prepared for a long match,” Gayatri commented. “After the first set, we changed our strategy, and it paid off.” Returning from injury, she felt this win was a crucial boost for the upcoming season. Treesa added, “Our cooperation has improved, and it showed in our game today.”
Overall, it was a day of highs and lows for Indian badminton, with hope for the future shining through the achievements of Treesa and Gayatri.
