Srikanth cliched his third Super Series title (two Super Series Premier and one Super Series) after laying claim to the USD 1,000,000 Indonesia Super Series Premier men's singles crown with a straight-game victory over Japanese Kazumasa Sakai in the final here today.
"I think it was a fantastic game for me. I started off really well in the first game but he was playing well in the second game, leading 11-6 at the break and fighting it out. But overall, I think my game was going great, my attack was going well for me," Srikanth said.
World No. 22 Srikanth, who had reached the finals at Singapore Open in April, outclassed Sakai, ranked 47th, 21-11 21-19 in just 37 minutes to take home a cheque of USD 75,000.
The 24-year-old hopes more success would come his way as he gears up for Australia Open next week ahead of the World Championship in August.
"I am playing Australian Open next week. It is the last tournament before the World Championship. I am looking forward to that. It is a big confidence booster for me ahead of the World Championship. I would give my 100 per cent. I hope there is a lot more to come," he said.
"I was out of badminton for sometime after the Olympics, it was the longest time that I have been out ever since I started playing, so that phase kept motivating me. It was tough to come out of that injury phase and so I am really happy with this win," he added.
Srikanth, who became the first Indian shuttler to win all three titles -- Grand Prix gold, Super Series and Super Series Premier -- went down the memory lanes and spoke about his Olympic moments which made him a better player.
Talking about his final opponent, Srikanth said: "Sakai played really well. He has been playing from the qualifying and he understands the conditions really well. His smash is fast and powerful and he is very fit. It was a tricky game for sure and I am happy I could win," said Srikanth.
"I was very tired in the first game and my serve was not as good as I hoped. In the second game, I had hoped to maintain my lead but he got back to 13-13 and then got lead when I was 19-18. I wanted to win but I am satisfied overall with my performance here. I am happy to play at a high level here and I appreciated all the support I received," he said.
Badminton Association of India (BAI) president Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma announced Rs. 5 lakh cash award for Srikanth for winning the Indonesia Open.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
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