The former world-silver medalist Kidambi Srikanth advanced to the men’s singles final of the 2025 Malaysia Masters Super 500 tournament at Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil, Malaysia, on Saturday. This will be Kidambi’s first final on the circuit after a six year period with his previous final appearance coming at the India Open 2019. This will also be the first final on the BWF World Tour for any Indian shuttler in 2025. Kidambi, who emerged from the qualifying draw, earned a hard-fought victory in straight games (21-18, 22-20) over a higher-ranked Yushi Tanaka of Japan in the semi-final. An aggressive Kidambi Kidambi, 32, was tested by the 25-year-old Tanaka, who had taken an early lead in the opening game. But not one to give in, Kidambi continued to fight hard and then switched gears. Shortly thereafter, Kidambi overpowered his younger opponent, coming from behind to take the opening game with brilliant down-the-line smashes. In the second game, the Indian had to once again overcome a five-point deficit after Tanaka caught him off-guard. With his quick …