Badminton World Tour Finals 2021 LIVE, Day 1- Satwik-Chirag loses, Lakshya Sen handed win - Scores, Updates, Results, Live blog

Kidambi Challenges!

A shot from Popov called in, Srikanth felt it was long. He challenges and is proven to be wrong. 15-11.

Complete Control!

Kidambi Srikanth is making Popov play how he wants him to. He is literally controlling the entire game and Popov has no answers. 15-10 lead for the Indian.

5-point lead

3 points in a row post the break and Kidambi Srikanth extends his lead to 14-9. Brilliant display from the Indian this.

11-9

An identical scoreline to the first game and it is Kidambi Srikanth again, who has the advantage at the mid-game break. Much like then it has been very close in the second game as well, but the Indian has done well to keep the advantage.

Kidambi LEADS

Kidambi edges ahead now with a 7-6 lead. Good stuff from the Indian.

Equalised!

Never mind, Kidambi makes amends to win two in a row and equalises at 6-6.

Misses a golden opportunity

Kidambi Srikanth does all the hardwork but then hits the smash way wide of the court. He could have equalised, but instead Popov gets a 6-4 lead.

Popov on the charge

Popov seems to be out on a mission. A 25-shot rally and he goes 4-1 up in the second game with a very good placed shot.

Popov challenges!

A shot from Srikanth called in, Popov feels it is wide. It is indeed wide and the Frenchman keeps his challenge. 2-1 lead for him.

He does!!

Kidambi Srikanth takes home the first game 21-14 in 17 minutes. Popov was very much in it till a certain point, but a five-point run for the Indian post the break was too much for the Frenchman to handle.

Srikanth has looked very good so far, he is moving well and the number of errors is in check as well. Can he prevent this from going into a decider?