Being only the fifth player in the world to contest three successive Super Series finals, there was arguably immense pressure on Kidambi Srikanth ahead of the coveted Australian Open final. If that wasn't enough, Srikanth was up against the World No. 6 who also happened to be the reigning World champion, and also the winner of the All England Open earlier this year.

But, beating all odds and overcoming the nerves, the 24-year-old stunned Chen Long 22-20, 21-16 in a 45-minute marathon clash in the men's singles final in Sydney. Against an opponent who had won all of their previous five encounters, the Indian shuttler showcased great fight and managed to keep his more-decorated Chinese opponent in check to finally pull one back.

Anddddd he wins again!!!!! What an amazing 2 weeks @srikidambi
Happy I could watch this one 😁 #AustraliaSuperSeries2017 pic.twitter.com/p4gnb9D0Fi

— taapsee pannu (@taapsee) June 25, 2017

As expected, the opening game was an evenly contested affair with the two opponents exchanging the lead. After playing a series of long rallies, the two finalists resorted to a more attacking game with a sudden shift in the pace of the game.

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Riding on his deceptive shots and searing smashes, Srikanth managed to take a 11-9 lead at the break. However, Long came back strong to win three straight points to snatch the lead at 12-11. The opening game finally went down the wire with the Chinese star saving a game point with a cross-court smash, but it was the Indian who eventually prevailed to win it 22-20 in 23 minutes.

High on confidence with a 1-0 lead, Srikanth bossed over his Chinese counterpart after a engrossing rally to open the scoring in the second game with a 323 kph winner. Je raced to a 6-2 lead in no time, and, just like the opening game, he took a 11-9 at the short-break.

While many would have expected a comeback from Long, Srikanth was in no mood to relent as he opened a five-point lead at 19-15 and then seamed the game and the title at 21-16 to win the title.

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It was Srikanth's second consecutive and fourth overall Super Series title. His triumph sparked a series of congratulatory messages on the social media with celebrities, politicians and fans lauding the heroics of the Indian shuttler. Thanks to his exploits, Himanta Biswa Sarma - president of the Badminton Association of India (BAI) - also announced a cash reward of Rs 5 lakh for Srikanth.

This is a classic win @srikidambi at #AustraliaSS. CONGRATULATIONS. We are so proud of you. I proudly announce reward of Re 5lakh @BAI_Media pic.twitter.com/W7asJTSMhT

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) June 25, 2017

Heartiest congratulations to @srikidambi on winning 2nd successive superseries title. Proud of you champion! #AustralianSS

— sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 25, 2017

Congrats @srikidambi what a stunning win. Salute!! 🇮🇳🇮🇳👏👏👏. Amazing work Gopichand, Indonesian coaches @GoSportsVoices

— Viren Rasquinha (@virenrasquinha) June 25, 2017

Congratulations @srikidambi on beating reigning Olympic & World Champion Chen Long & winning a 4th Superseries title. Take a bow, Srikanth ! pic.twitter.com/qNP2e9PXIv

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) June 25, 2017

Congratulation @srikidambi Srikanth on winning Australian Open Super Series title. You have made #India proud.

— Rajat Sharma (@RajatSharmaLive) June 25, 2017

Played like a true champion! Congratulations to ace shuttler @srikidambi on winning the Australian Open Super Series. #Proud

— Vasundhara Raje (@VasundharaBJP) June 25, 2017

Congrats @srikidambi for a stunning victory in #AustralianSS! Proud moment for India! May you have many more victories ahead!

— Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) June 25, 2017

Congratulations Srikanth on winning Australian Open Super Series title. You have made #India proud. @srikidambi

— M Venkaiah Naidu (@MVenkaiahNaidu) June 25, 2017

Looks like it's getting tough for everyone to Clinch titles when Indian boys are in form!! Congrats @srikidambi 👌👌👍

— PRANNOY HS (@PRANNOYHSPRI) June 25, 2017