Kidambi Srikanth feels Viktor Axelsen is ahead of him in race to World No.1

10/30/2017

Newly crowned French Open and Denmark Open champion Kidambi Srikanth feels that Viktor Axelsen is still way ahead of him in the race for the number one position in world badminton. Srikanth believes he would see a small improvement in the BWF rankings that scheduled to be released next week.

After the eighth-seeded Kidambi Srikanth defeated Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto 21-14 21-13 in the final of the French Open on Sunday, there was only one question on everyone’s mind - would he top the BWF rankings?

Srikanth became the first Indian to clinch four titles in a season - he had won Indonesia, Australia, and Denmark prior to the French Open - and was bound to see a spike in his position in the rankings. However, the Guntur-born dismissed such expectations by stating that Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen is way ahead of him in the race for the No.1 position and the win is expected to improve his rank by one or two positions.

“I think there is a lot of difference between me and Viktor (Axelsen) for sure before Denmark Open. I don’t think I will be number one, I might improve a rank or two,” Srikanth said, reported PTI

With back-to-back title wins at Denmark and France, Srikanth has sealed his place at the top of Destination Dubai rankings and would also be a prime contender for the Super Series Final title in December. The 25-year-old, however, didn’t reveal his plans stating that he is just enjoying a good phase of his career.

“It is good to be there definitely but I am not thinking about it now. I don’t really have any tournament to defend anywhere, so I don’t want to push myself for the ranking and just want to enjoy playing, that’s it.”

“I am just happy with the way I performed in the last couple of weeks. There were some close matches. I feel I was little lucky to pull out those matches, otherwise I am pleased how it went for me,” Srikanth added.

After a grueling three-game semi-final against compatriot HS Prannoy, Srikanth had recovered quickly for the final, producing a dominating display against his Japanese opponent and credited it to his strict training regime.

“I am surprised myself a little but yeah the way we have been training last 9-10 months, it is really playing its part now,” said Srikanth.