Kiran George continued his impressive run at the Korea Masters 2024 by securing a spot in the semifinals after defeating Japan’s Takuma Obayashi in straight games on Friday.
Ranked 41st in the world, George outplayed the higher-ranked Takuma, world No. 34, with a commanding scoreline of 21-14, 21-16.
This victory marks yet another highlight in George’s journey as the only Indian left competing in the tournament held in Iksan City, South Korea.
George’s remarkable progress through the tournament has been fueled by a string of determined performances.
In Round 16, he pulled off a thrilling upset over world No. 31 Chi Yu Jen of Taipei, winning 21-19, 17-21, 21-17 in a hard-fought 75-minute battle.
Despite a strong comeback from Chi Yu Jen in the second game and early setbacks in the third, George’s tenacity secured him a quarterfinal berth.
Earlier in the first round, he had staged an impressive comeback against Vietnam’s Nguyen Hai Dang, overcoming an initial set loss to win 15-21, 21-12, 21-15 in another intense 57-minute match.
The 24-year-old shuttler, now aiming to become India’s first Korea Masters champion, keeps India’s hopes alive following withdrawals from compatriots Ayush Shetty and Imad Farooqui Samiya.
George’s journey has already marked a significant achievement in his career, and with each victory, he draws closer to potentially securing a historic title for India.