On Thursday, HS Prannoy was eliminated in the round of 16 of the men’s singles event at the Kumamoto Masters Japan 2023, therefore ending India’s bid at the Super 500 badminton competition.
World No. 7 HS Prannoy blew his lead after winning the opening game, falling to Chinese Taipei’s 12th-ranked Chou Tien Chen 19-21, 21-16, 21-19 in one hour and 13 minutes.
The Indian badminton player got off to a fast start in the opening game, gaining an 11-8 lead at the break and leading 17-13 at one point. Chou Tien Chen, on the other hand, came back and even saved three match points before succumbing.
However, the Chinese Taipei shuttler, 33, staged a comeback in the second game. Chou Tien Chen took an early 5-0 lead before the Indian tied the game at 10-all. Chou Tien Chen, on the other hand, converted 11 of the next 17 points to tie the game and force a decider.
HS Prannoy, 31, was on the back foot in the third game, behind 11-4, but won four straight points after the break to make a comeback. Chou Tien Chen, on the other hand, held off HS Prannoy in the decider to advance to the quarter-finals.
After being forced to withdraw from the Denmark and French Opens owing to a back issue, HS Prannoy was competing in his first competition since winning a bronze medal at the Asian Games in Hangzhou last month.
Featured Image: Sportstar- The Hindu