India's shot at a medal in men's singles badminton at the Rio Olympics ended on Wednesday after Srikanth Kidambi lost to world no. 3 Lin Dan of China in the quarterfinal match. However, the Indian world no. 11 nearly pulled off a major upset. Both players won a game each to take it to a decider, before Lin won the match 21-6 11-21 21-18 in thrilling match that lasted an hour and eight minutes.
Kidambi lost the first game 6-21 after committing too many unforced errors. But the 23-year-old staged a remarkable comeback in the second game and took it to 21-11. In the third and deciding game, the players exchanged some unbelievable rallies. The score was tied 15-15, before Lin upped his game towards the end, bringing the score to 21-18.

Scroll has produced award-winning journalism despite violent threats, falling ad revenues and rising costs. Support our work. Become a member today.

In these volatile times, Scroll remains steadfastly courageous, nuanced and comprehensive. Become a Scroll Member and support our award-winning reportage, commentary and culture writing.