HS Prannoy Stuns Koki Watanabe in Thrilling Comeback at China Open
In a captivating match at the China Open Super 1000 badminton tournament in Changzhou on Tuesday, HS Prannoy delivered an impressive performance. The Indian player managed to save five match points to defeat Japan’s Koki Watanabe in the first round, showcasing his determination and skill.
After losing the first game, Prannoy faced a tough situation as he trailed 15-20 in the deciding game. However, the 32-year-old fighter rallied back to secure a nail-biting victory with scores of 8-21, 21-16, and 23-21. Prannoy, who is currently ranked 35th in the world, displayed remarkable resilience, outlasting the 18th-ranked Watanabe in a match that exceeded an hour.
Following the match, Prannoy expressed the significance of each victory at this stage of his career. “Every win matters,” he stated. “I’m just glad to be back on tour. The competition is tougher, and making it through each round is becoming increasingly challenging.”
Prannoy, who won a bronze medal at the recent World Championships, struggled initially as Watanabe gained an early lead. However, he regained his footing, demonstrating improved control and movement to make it to the final game. With the odds stacked against him at 2-11 and later at 15-20, Prannoy’s fighting spirit shone through as he saved multiple match points to clinch the match.
He also noted the challenges faced by seasoned players, mentioning the influx of younger competitors. “The average age in men’s singles has suddenly dropped to around 22-23, with many new faces. It’s definitely tougher for veterans like me,” Prannoy shared.
In contrast, Lakshya Sen faced disappointment as he exited in the first round after losing a match he initially led against China’s fifth seed, Li Shi Feng. The world No. 14 started strong but faltered as the match progressed, ultimately losing with scores of 21-14, 22-24, and 11-21.
Women’s singles player Anupama Upadhyay also saw an early exit, falling to China’s Lin Hsiang Ti with scores of 23-21, 11-21, and 10-21. The Indian mixed doubles teams, including A Surya and A Pramuthesh, as well as Rohan Kapoor and Ruthvika Gadde, also faced elimination in their first matches.
The tournament continues to be a testing ground for players as they navigate fierce competition on the court.
