Indian shuttler Kiran George produced one of the biggest upsets of the opening round at the Yonex Swiss Open Super 300, defeating former world champion Loh Kean Yew of Singapore in straight games to advance to the Round of 16 in Basel.
Ranked World No. 42, Kiran delivered a composed and fearless performance against the World No. 11 and third seed, winning 23–21, 21–19 in a gripping contest that lasted just over 40 minutes. The result marks one of the most significant victories of Kiran’s career and highlights his growing confidence on the international badminton circuit.
A Gritty Comeback in the First Game
The opening game proved to be a dramatic battle between the two players, with Loh Kean Yew using his pace and attacking style to put Kiran under pressure early on. At one stage, the Singaporean held a 19–17 lead and appeared on course to take the opening game. Loh even earned two game points, placing Kiran in a difficult situation.
However, the Indian shuttler displayed remarkable composure and mental strength. Refusing to panic, Kiran stayed patient in the rallies and forced his opponent into errors. He saved both game points and then produced a series of precise attacking shots to turn the momentum in his favour.
Kiran eventually clinched the game 23–21, completing an impressive comeback that set the tone for the rest of the match.
After edging the first game, Kiran entered the second game with confidence. He continued to apply pressure through disciplined rally construction and effective shot placement.
Unlike the opening game, the second game saw Kiran maintain a slight advantage for most of the contest. Loh attempted to increase the tempo of the rallies with his trademark aggressive style, but Kiran remained composed and matched him shot for shot. The Indian shuttler’s defensive solidity proved crucial, as he repeatedly forced Loh into longer exchanges before capitalising on opportunities to attack.
Despite a late push from the Singaporean, Kiran held his nerve once again to close the game 21–19, sealing a memorable straight-games victory.
A Statement Win for the Indian Shuttler
Defeating a player of Loh Kean Yew’s calibre represents a major milestone for Kiran George. The Singaporean is one of the most dangerous players on the circuit, having won the World Championships title in 2021 and consistently competing among the world’s top-ranked players. For Kiran, the victory not only confirms his ability to challenge elite opponents but also reflects the progress he has made in recent seasons.
Known for his calm approach and tactical awareness on court, Kiran has steadily improved his performances in international tournaments. His victory at the Swiss Open demonstrates how his consistency and resilience are beginning to translate into significant results.
Watch Indian Live Scores and Play Quiz – Download IndiaSportsHub App
Kiran’s performance against Loh was marked by tactical discipline and patience. Rather than engaging in reckless attacking exchanges, he focused on controlling the pace of rallies and forcing his opponent into uncomfortable positions. His ability to absorb pressure and respond with precise counterattacks proved decisive.
The Indian shuttler also displayed excellent shot selection, mixing defensive retrievals with well-timed smashes and net play to keep Loh guessing throughout the match.
With the victory, Kiran has secured his place in the Round of 16 of the Swiss Open. He will next face Jason Gunawan of Hong Kong, who defeated fellow Indian Kidambi Srikanth in the opening round. The upcoming match presents another opportunity for Kiran to continue his impressive run in the tournament.
Kiran’s victory also comes as a positive sign for Indian men’s singles badminton, where younger players are gradually stepping up to challenge established names. With experienced players like Srikanth and H.S. Prannoy in the latter stages of their careers, the emergence of players such as Kiran George offers renewed optimism for the future. If he can maintain the form and confidence he displayed against Loh Kean Yew, Kiran could potentially produce a deep run at the Swiss Open 2026, further strengthening his reputation on the international stage.
For now, however, his stunning victory over a former world champion will stand as one of the standout moments of the tournament’s opening round.
