Srikanth crashes out of China Masters in quarterfinal loss

The 33-year-old Srikanth, a former world No. 1, was unable to replicate his earlier form at the tournament, losing 16-21, 16-21 to Lee Cheuk in a contest lasting 39 minutes. The result brings an end to what had been a promising run for the Indian, who had reached the final of the US Open Super 300 earlier this year.

Srikanth had produced a commanding display in the previous round, dispatching Canada's Victor Lai, currently ranked ninth globally, with a 21-18, 21-19 victory. However, he found himself unable to sustain that momentum against the 25th-ranked Lee Cheuk, who proved too clinical in the quarterfinal clash.

The Hong Kong player established early control of the match. Although Srikanth made a bright start, racing to a 3-0 lead, Lee Cheuk swiftly leveled proceedings before launching a decisive six-point run that extended his advantage to 14-6. Despite Srikanth's attempts to mount a comeback, the deficit proved insurmountable as Lee Cheuk maintained his grip on the contest through both games.

The loss marks a premature exit for Srikanth from the prestigious Super 750 event, as the Indian continues his efforts to reclaim the form that once saw him ranked among the world's elite badminton players.