Prannoy wins after big comeback in China

Beijing

Indian badminton player HS Prannoy made a strong comeback to beat Japan’s Koki Watanabe in the first round of the China Open on Tuesday. He lost the first game 8-21, and was trailing 2-11 in the final game, but turned the match around to win 8-21, 21-16, 23-21.

Prannoy called the win “unexpected” and said he felt lucky to be on the winning side. “At this stage in my career, every win matters. I'm happy to be back on tour,” said the 33-year-old.

In the second game, Prannoy fought hard to win 21-16 and force a decider. During the final game, Watanabe had five match points at 20-15. But Prannoy saved them all, showing great focus and energy to finish the match in 57 minutes.

Speaking after the match, Prannoy shared how tough men's singles has become, especially against younger players. “The average age is now 22-23. It's hard to keep up with the new faces,” he said.

Prannoy, who won a bronze at the 2023 World Championships in Denmark, now looks forward to this year’s World Championships in France, set for August 25–31. “Denmark was very special. I want to go one step further this time,” he said.

He will now face Chou Tien Chen of Taipei in the round of 16 of the China Open, which is the last Super 1000 event of the year.

Prannoy’s fighting spirit showed once again why he remains one of India’s top badminton stars.