Kumamoto, November 12: India’s Kidambi Srikanth pulled off a major upset at the Japan Masters 2026, stunning fifth seed and home favourite Kodai Naraoka to advance to the men’s singles quarter-finals on Thursday.
In a gripping encounter lasting an hour, the former world No. 1 held his nerve to overcome the Japanese shuttler 21-15, 11-21, 21-18.
With the home crowd firmly behind Naraoka, Srikanth showed tremendous composure and fighting spirit to silence the partisan spectators and seal an impressive victory in three games.
Srikanth started strongly, taking the opening game 21-15. However, Naraoka fought back in the second game, dominating proceedings to level the contest with a 21-11 win.
The decider turned into a closely fought battle, but Srikanth raised his game at the crucial moments to clinch it 21-18 and book his place in the last eight.
The victory marks a significant result for the Indian shuttler, who will now look to carry his momentum into the quarter-finals of the BWF World Tour Super 500 tournament.
