Kidambi Srikanth claims top spot in Badminton World Federation rankings

NEW DELHI: Ace shuttler Kidambi Srikanth on Thursday became the first Indian to be ranked as world number one in Badminton World Federation (BWF) rankings replacing Denmark's Viktor Axelsen The 25-year-old shuttler's prolific form in 2017, during which he won a record four Super Series titles, has helped him reach 76895 rating points, the best ever by an Indian male badminton player.

The Malaysian Open was held from April 4-9 last year but has now been moved to June 26 to July 1 on account of the ongoing Commonwealth Games.

Srikanth bagged the mixed team gold in the ongoing Gold Coast Games and continues to feature in the men's singles format in that event.

Srikanth also becomes only the second Indian after Saina Nehwal, who achieved the feat in 2015, to top the rankings and the first Indian male to do so.