Su Li Yang Captures Maiden BWF Title at US Open, Defeating Veteran Kidambi Srikanth

Chinese Taipei's Su Li Yang has captured his maiden BWF World Tour title, outlasting Indian veteran Kidambi Srikanth in a grueling three-game final at the 2026 US Open in Fullerton, California.[1][2]

The 24-year-old Su, ranked 46th in the world, deployed relentless pace and aggressive shot-making to secure a 21-15, 16-21, 21-9 victory over the former world No. 1. The match, played at the Titan Gym on the campus of California State University Fullerton, lasted an hour and nine minutes, testing the physical limits and tactical adaptability of both athletes.[1][3]

For Su, the victory marks a significant career milestone. After the match, an emotional Su expressed disbelief and pride, noting that as fatigue set in during the final game, he forced himself to maintain focus and trust his training. The win is his first on the HSBC BWF World Tour, signaling his arrival as a rising threat in the men's singles circuit.[2]

The match itself was a classic clash of styles: the raw speed and power of youth against the tactical guile and net mastery of experience. Su burst out of the gates in the opening game, establishing an early 10-5 lead. While Srikanth battled back to level the score at 10-10, the Taiwanese shuttler found another gear after the break, reeling off seven consecutive points to take the first game.[1][3]

Facing a straight-games defeat, the 33-year-old Srikanth showcased the pedigree that once made him the world's top-ranked player. In a tightly contested second game, the Indian star dictated the tempo, utilizing his signature sharp net play and precise down-the-line smashes. Breaking away from a 13-13 tie, Srikanth surged ahead to win the game 21-16, forcing a decisive third game and thrilling the vocal crowd.[1]

The decider, however, belonged entirely to Su. The younger player came out with renewed intensity, pushing the pace to wear down his older opponent. The turning point arrived at the mid-game interval, with Su leading 11-7.[3]

During the break, Srikanth delayed his routine and was subsequently denied permission by the chair umpire to change his sweat-soaked shirt before resuming play. Visibly frustrated by the strict enforcement of the time limit, Srikanth's momentum unraveled. Su capitalized on the distraction, winning eight consecutive points from a 9-7 margin to close out the championship 21-9.[3]

Despite the lopsided final game, Srikanth's run to the final was widely praised. It marked his first BWF World Tour final appearance of the 2026 season and his first since the Syed Modi International. Although his quest to end a title drought dating back to the 2017 French Open continues, his performance in California proved he remains a formidable contender on the global stage.[1]

Beyond his tactical brilliance, Srikanth left an indelible mark on the tournament through a remarkable display of sportsmanship. During a tense semifinal clash against Japan's Yudai Okimoto, officials refused to overturn a clearly incorrect line call despite heavy protests. In a rare gesture, Srikanth voluntarily walked to the referee and conceded the point back to his opponent.[3]

Ultimately, the 2026 US Open will be remembered as the stage where Su Li Yang broke through the ceiling of the BWF World Tour. As he lifted the trophy in Fullerton, the badminton world celebrated both the crowning of a new champion and the enduring class of a seasoned veteran.[2][3]