Kidambi Srikanth clinched the silver medal at the US Open 2026 badminton tournament in Fullerton, California, after finishing runner-up in the men’s singles final. The Indian shuttler fought valiantly against Su Li-yang of Chinese Taipei but went down 15-21, 21-16, 9-21 in a thrilling contest that lasted over an hour. Despite a strong comeback in the second game, Srikanth was unable to maintain momentum in the decider, extending his wait for a BWF World Tour title.
Srikanth’s journey to the final included a hard-fought semifinal victory over Japan’s Yudai Okimoto, where he earned praise for his sportsmanship by conceding a disputed point to his opponent. His performance at the US Open marks his first final appearance of 2026, signaling resilience and determination as he continues his comeback on the international circuit.
Su Li-yang’s triumph, meanwhile, is being hailed as a breakthrough moment for the 24-year-old, who showcased composure and tactical sharpness to secure his maiden BWF World Tour title. The win highlights the growing competitiveness of emerging shuttlers on the global stage.
For Srikanth, the silver medal adds to his list of runner-up finishes in recent years, including the Malaysia Masters and Syed Modi International in 2025. While the loss was disappointing, his ability to reach the final underscores his enduring presence in world badminton and his potential to reclaim top form in upcoming tournaments.
