Indonesia masters 2023: Kiran George wins Indonesia Masters Super 100 title

Rising Indian shuttler Kiran George lifted the Indonesia Masters trophy by defeating Japan’s Koo Takahashi in straight games in the men’s singles final here on Sunday. This is Kiran’s second title at the World Tour Super 100 level.

This 23-year-old player from Kochi defeated world number 82 Takahashi 21-19, 22-20 in a tough match that lasted 56 minutes. Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy (PPBA) director and former national coach Vimal Kumar said, “It is a great win, it is about seizing these opportunities and playing well consistently. Other players in the country are also young and equally good, so I am very happy with them.

He said, “After this win, Kiran should continue his preparation instead of taking rest as he is traveling to Hong Kong. He has nothing to lose, so he should focus on pulling off the upset.” Kiran, who trains at PPBA in Bengaluru, was 1-4 down at the start of the match but drew level with Takahashi at 8-8 and Then started making gains. He took a lead of 18-15 but the opponent player reduced this difference to 19-20. Kiran then took the lead by winning the game.

There was a tough competition between the two players in the second game also. The score was once tied at 6-6 but Kiran took a lead of 16-11. Takahashi did not give up and made the score 19-19. Meanwhile, Kiran failed to convert the first match point but won the match by converting the second match point.

Kiran, son of former national champion George Thomas, had won the Odisha Open and Polish Open. He was the runner-up at the Denmark Masters last year. Kiran, who reached his career-best ranking of 43rd in January this year, showed his skills by defeating top Chinese players Shi Yuqi and Wang Hongyang in the Thailand Open last May-June.

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