Korea Masters 2024: Kiran George's fine run ends in semifinals

The young Indian shuttler, Kiran George suffered a semi-final exit at the Korea Masters 2024, losing to reigning world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand at Iksan Gymnasium in Iksan, South Korea, on Saturday.

Kiran had no answers for the experienced Thai shuttler, losing his match in straight games (12-21, 20-22), ending a great run at this BWF World Tour Super 300 tournament.

The 24-year-old youngster reached the semifinal round after upsetting two higher seeds in the round of 16 and quarterfinal, which will help him gain a good ranking points from the tournament.

Kunlavut had a brilliant start to the game as he played his traditional rally game, which gave him a solid lead of 11-6 at the mid-game interval. He maintained that throughout the game to win it, 21-12.

Kiran started the second game differently and gained four quick points from the start but then the Thai player re-gained momentum by winning 13 points on the trot and was looking for another dominating game.

The Indian didn't make it easy for Kunlavut and saved four match points to force a deuce but this time he made an error, ending the match in favor of Kunlavut on the fifth time of asking.