India Open: Kiran George, learning lessons from the past, prevails in a marathon third game 27-25 to enter round 2 | Badminton News

There would have been many moments in the match when Kiran George must have felt his old habit – of letting the points-advantage slip – was resurfacing. It showed in his body language; the drooped shoulders and the wry smile with an angry shake of the head. First, towards the end of the first game, which he salvaged somehow. And then in the decider – after a meek surrender in the second – when he couldn’t convert three match points.
But Kiran acknowledged the challenge he’s faced in closing out games and said he’d been working on what have been ‘mental and physical’ issues. At some level, he’d be satisfied because he saved three match points himself, playing aggressively and pinning Yushi Tanaka deep in the backcourt, before holding his nerve to wrap up the dramatic tie 21-19, 14-21, 27-25 in an hour and 11 minutes at the India Open Super 750 on Tuesday.
“Last year, I also had three or four tournaments where I was leading. I had match points at big events, two Super 1000s too,” Kiran told the media. “I was leading match points in the third set and gave away those matches. I’ve been working on it, so that’s why I think I could do it. In practice, we have been simulating such situations. I think I’m there at a good level; I just need to be a little more consent.”
At 20-18 in the decider, Kiran had arrested the momentum for Tanaka, who had caught up from 5-10 down. The world No 25 from Japan played two stunning points to take the match into extra points. George was bent double with hands on his knees after a sensational crosscourt winner at the net Tanaka, and must have wondered if this was going to be one of those days again. But the Indian fought back and eventually converted his fourth match point, dropped his racket, and put up his arms more in relief than joy.
The world No 38, who wasn’t in the main draw originally, was promoted from the reserve l after a few withdrawals in the lead-up. So his participation at the India Open was only confirmed late on Monday. But he knew he was likely to play so ensured he reached Delhi early. “I was prepared this time, to be honest. I arrived Saturday night, hoping to get in, which happened, and I think that helped me prepare for the first round,” he said.

The youngster’s potential has been evident for a while, but the results on the circuit haven’t probably matched up to the expectations. A late entry to the home event, and a strong start where he has rectified past makes, might just be the push he needs. However, a tougher test awaits in the next round where he takes on French badminton’s rising star Alex Lanier, who packed off world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn late on day one.

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