Srikanth Stuns Lai, Reaches China Masters Quarterfinals
Sep 03, 2026
Indian badminton veteran Kidambi Srikanth produced a major upset at the China Masters Super 750 in Shenzhen on Thursday, defeating world No. 9 Victor Lai of Canada in straight games to book his place in the men’s singles quarterfinals.
The 33-year-old former world No. 1 overcame Lai 21-18, 21-19, showing composure at crucial moments to seal an impressive victory. Lai had won his second World Championships bronze medal in New Delhi last month.
Srikanth, who also reached the US Open Super 300 final earlier this year, will face Hong Kong’s Lee Cheuk Yiu in the quarterfinals.
In women’s singles, India’s Tanvi Sharma put up a strong fight against world No. 9 Tomoka Miyazaki of Japan but went down 17-21, 21-18, 16-21 in the second round.
Sharma, who recently won the Taipei Open Super 300 title, fought back after losing the opening game to level the match. However, Miyazaki held her nerve in the deciding game to secure victory.
