Despite putting up a brave fight, ace Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth went down in the quarter-final match of the Japan Open against Marc Zweibler of Germany, thus concluding his journey in the tournament today.
The Guntur-born suffered a narrow 21-18, 14-21, 19-21 defeat to World No.15 Marc.
Coming into the match with a 2-1 head-to-head record, both players started the proceeding on a good note, but it was Srikanth who proved superior to clinch the first set 21-18.
In the second game, Marc broke off at 6-6 and kept his foot ahead throughout the proceedings despite some spirited game from Srikanth.
In the decider, the Indian shuttler managed to keep himself ahead for most part after opening up a 6-2 lead.
However, Marc produced a spectacular performance and caught up with the Indian at 16-16 and eventually went on to bag the issue.
(With IANS inputs)