Kashyap stuns Srikanth to win Syed Modi GP title

Lucknow, Jan 25: Parupalli Kashyap beat K Srikanth in an all-India final to win men's singles crown of the Syed Modi Grand Prix Gold badminton tournament here today.

Saina Nehwal wins women's title

Third seeded Kashyap stunned world number five Srikanth 23-21 23-21 to clinch the men's sigles title after a gruelling 52-minute contest.

The men's singles final match turned out to be a closely fought affair with both players refusing to give an inch. In the opening game, Kashyap managed to take a lead on a couple of occasions but every time top seed Srikanth levlled the scores at some stage.

It was a hard-fought game from 16-16 to 21-21 before Kashyap reeled off two quick points when it mattered the most, to run away with the first game. Second game also went on similar lines till 13-13 before world number 15 Kashyap won four points on a trot to open up a 17-13 lead and then further extended it to 19-15.

But not the one to give it up without a fight, Srikanth picked up four successive points to make it 19-19. Tied once more on 21-21, Kashyap yet again kept his cool to earn the two most crucial points and seal the issue in his favour.

In mixed doubles, Indian pair of Manu Attri and K Maneesha went down to top seeded Indonesian combo of Riky Widianto and Puspita Richi Dili 17-21 17-21 to finish runners-up.

PTI