Hylo Open 2021: Dream shatters as Srikanth and Lakshya Sen loses in semis

India's Kidambi Srikanth was eliminated in the semi-finals of the men's singles. He lost at the  Hylo Open 2021 in Saarbrucken, Germany on Saturday.

Former world No. 1 Srikanth lost 21-19, 22-20 to Malaysia's Lee Zii Jia. The Malaysian shuttler got the second position. And he dominated all England Open champion.

In the first game, Kidambi Srikanth consistently sustained his attack. He trailed 11-9 at the mid-game break.

Also read: Hylo Open 2021: Kidambi Srikanth Cruises Into Semis

The Indian badminton player carried on with a couple of good strokes. Srikanth was unable to catch up with the higher hand. He struggled to finish off the point up to a position of strength and considered the first game.

Kidambi Srikanth attacked better in the second game, going cross-court with his shots and forcing Lee Zii Jia into errors to carry an 11-9 lead into the break.

A sustained attacking plan helped the Indian shuttler to a 15-10 lead. But Lee Zii Jia then won five points in a row after saving a smash to draw level.

A leaping cross-court smash helped the Malaysian into the lead. Though Srikanth came up late, Lee Zii Jia held his breathe to make the final.

Meanwhile, the promising Lakshya Sen, ranked world No. 22, lost 21-18, 21-12 to Singapore's Loh Kean Yew, ranked 18 places below him.

The two losses brought an end to India's campaign.

Lee Zii Jia will confront Loh Kean Yew for the men's singles title on Sunday.