Canada Open: Srikanth downs world No.6 Chou Tien Chen to enter semis

IANS July 5, 2025 340 views

Kidambi Srikanth delivered a commanding performance to defeat top seed Chou Tien Chen in straight games. The Indian shuttler now faces Japan's Kenta Nishimoto, against whom he holds a favorable head-to-head record. Meanwhile, young Shriyanshi Valishetty fought hard but fell short in a thrilling three-set match. Srikanth's resurgence continues as he eyes his second final of the season.

"Srikanth outplayed world No. 6 Chen 21-18, 21-9 in a 43-minute quarterfinal clash." – Tournament Report
Canada Open: Srikanth downs world No.6 Chou Tien Chen to enter semis
Calgary, July 5: India’s Kidambi Srikanth continued his fine form by advancing to the semifinal at the Canada Open Super 300 badminton tournament with a commanding straight-game win over top seed Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei.

Key Points

1

Srikanth dominates world No.6 Chou Tien Chen in straight games

2

Faces Kenta Nishimoto next with 6-4 head-to-head lead

3

Sankar Muthusamy falls to Nishimoto in tough three-setter

4

Teen Shriyanshi Valishetty narrowly loses to Denmark's Schulz

The former world championship silver medallist, who was a finalist at the Malaysia Masters in May, outplayed world No. 6 Chen 21-18, 21-9 in a 43-minute quarterfinal clash on Saturday (IST).

Srikanth outclasses Chinese Taipei’s Wang Po-Wei 21-19, 21-14 in 40 minutes to set up his quarterfinal clash against Chou Tien Chen.

Currently ranked 49th in the world, Srikanth will now face Japan’s third seed Kenta Nishimoto for a spot in the final. Srikanth holds a 6-4 lead in the head-to-head record against the 30-year-old Kenta Nishimoto. The Indian had defeated the Japanese shuttler in straight games at the last World Championships - despite Nishimoto often posing challenges for other Indian players.

Known for his dogged court coverage, Nishimoto has been a consistent performer this season. He earned his semifinal spot with a hard-fought 21-15, 5-21, 21-17 win over India’s Sankar Muthusamy Subramaniam.

In women’s singles, India’s promising teenager Shriyanshi Valishetty bowed out after a gritty contest against Denmark’s 24-year-old Amalie Schulz, losing 21-12, 19-21, 19-21. Shriyanshi mounted late comebacks in both the second and third games but never managed to take the lead after winning the opening game. In the decider, she closed a 9-17 gap to reach 19-20, but narrowly fell short, concluding a commendable North American tour.

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a badminton enthusiast, I must say Srikanth's court movement was exceptional. But I'm worried about his consistency - he needs to maintain this form through Paris Olympics qualification period.
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Ananya R
Heartbreak for Shriyanshi! 😔 She fought so hard in those last two games. At just 19, she's showing great promise. Our women's singles future looks bright with players like her coming up.
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Karthik V
Nishimoto will be tough opponent no doubt, but Srikanth has good record against him. Remember how he thrashed him in World Championships? Hope he repeats that performance tomorrow! #GoSrikanth
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Michael C
Interesting to see India's badminton depth. While Srikanth shines, young Sankar lost to Nishimoto but gave good fight. And Shriyanshi's comeback attempt was impressive. Future looks promising!
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Priya S
Srikanth's ranking at 49 doesn't reflect his true potential. He's playing like top 10 player right now. If he maintains this form, Olympic medal isn't impossible dream! 🤞

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Kidambi Srikanth Canada Open Chou Tien Chen Kenta Nishimoto Badminton