Loh Kean Yew secured a historic victory in Huelva, Spain, defeating India's Kidambi Srikanth to win the men's singles final. By winning 21-15, 22-20, the Singaporean athlete claimed the 2021 BWF World Championships gold. This was a groundbreaking moment for both nations, marking their first appearance in this final, and placing Singapore among the elite five countries to ever win a world title in men's singles.
Loh Kean Yew defeated Indian Shuttler Kidambi Srikanth to win the finals of the men’s singles event in Huelva, Spain. Loh Kean Yew of Singapore outclassed Kidambi Srikanth 21-15, 22-20 to secure the gold medal of the 2021 BWF World Championships. It was the first final of the division for both nations. Singapore became the fifth nation to win gold in the men’s singles at the Worlds as Kean Yew clinched victory in straight games.
Kidambi Srikanth, 28, etched his name in the record books as the first Indian shuttler to secure a silver medal at the World Championships. Before this, India's best performances had been bronze medals won by Prakash Padukone in 1983, HS Prannoy in 2019, and Lakshya Sen in 2021. Srikanth's path to the final was historic in itself, highlighted by a gripping semi-final victory over compatriot Lakshya Sen with a score of 17-21, 21-14, 21-17. Despite a strong start in the final, Srikanth's rhythm was disrupted by critical unforced mistakes.
This victory provided Singapore with its very first medal of any kind at a World Championship event. The pressure of the occasion was evident on Loh at the start, and after an initial 3-1 lead, he fell behind 3-9. During this stretch, Srikanth was the dominant force, showcasing a sophisticated blend of sharp drop shots and powerful jump smashes. He seemed to have the match under control until a few nerves set in, leading to an error that brought the score to 9-4.
Entering the mid-game interval with a four-point advantage, Srikanth looked strong, but Loh used the break to reset. Coming back with increased speed and precision, Loh fought his way back to a tie. At 12-12, Loh's determination was on full display; he executed a desperate full-length dive to keep the shuttle in play, quickly regained his footing, and sealed the rally with a brilliant net winner.
Loh took control of the match by dominating the net with quick feet and delicate touches, eventually closing out the first game 21-15. The second game was much tighter. Srikanth adjusted his strategy, playing deeper from the back of the court to force Loh into a more defensive style of play.
Srikanth initially gained the upper hand with a 9-6 lead, but a collapse featuring four straight errors and a powerful cross-court smash from Loh shifted the momentum. Srikanth managed to edge ahead again, 16-14, thanks to a clever backhand cross-court net shot. He showed great resilience by saving two championship points to tie the game at 20-20, but a final error gave Loh another opportunity. Loh seized the moment, winning two consecutive points to clinch the gold medal.