HS Prannoy Advances To Second Round Of World Championships

21.08.2023 - 12:09 sports.ndtv.com

Star Indian shuttler HS Prannoy progressed to the men's singles second round of the World Championships with a straight-game win over Finland's Kalle Koljonen on Monday.

The world number 9 Indian, who reached the quarterfinals in the last two editions, saw off the left-handed Koljonen 24-22 21-10 to extend his head-to-head count over the Finnish player to 3-0.

It was a tight battle in the opening game as Koljonen was quick to open up a 8-4 lead. But Prannoy reeled off seven straight points to grab a 11-8 lead at the break.

However, an exciting battle ensued after resumption with Koljonen eventually grabbing three game points after pushing one away from the forehand of his opponent.

badminton HS Prannoy stage UPS Star India Finland India

Third seed Daniil Medvedev raced into the US Open second round on Tuesday with a 6-1, 6-1, 6-0 victory over Hungary's Attila Balazs. Medvedev, the 2021 champion in New York, pumped 41 winners past the unranked journeyman Balazs in a one-sided encounter lasting 74 minutes. The Russian will play the winner of the all-Australian clash between Max Purcell and Christopher O'Connell for a spot in the last 32.

"Didn't Expect": HS Prannoy On Claiming First BWF World Championships Medal

After claiming his first-ever BWF World Championships medal, star Indian shuttler HS Prannoy said that he "didn't expect" it this year because of the "tough draw" of the tournament. Prannoy's dream run at the world event ended on Saturday after he lost 21-18, 13-21 14-21 to world number 3 Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand in the men's singles semifinal to sign off with a bronze medal. While it was the player's maiden podium finish at the event, his achievement extended India's record of having at least one medallist in the showpiece since 2011.

"Didn't Expect": HS Prannoy On Claiming First BWF World Championships Medal

"Disappointed Not To Get Gold But Bronze Means A Lot": HS Prannoy

Star Indian shuttler HS Prannoy was tad disappointed to miss out on a World championships gold medal but said the bronze meant a lot to him, calling it as the "first starting step" on way to the coveted title. Prannoy's dream run at the World Championships ended after he lost 21-18 13-21 14-21 to world number 3 Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand in the men's singles semifinal to sign off with a bronze medal. The win extended India's record of having at least one medallist in the showpiece since 2011.

HS Prannoy vs Kunlavut Vitidsarn, BWF World Championships Semi-final: When And Where To Watch Live Telecast, Live Streaming

India's star shuttler HS Prannoy is set to face Thaiand's Kunlavut Vitidsarn in the semi-final of the ongoing BWF World Championships 2023. Prannoy extracted the last ounce of energy from his reservoir to hand a shock defeat to two-time defending champion Viktor Axelsen of Denmark in a thrilling 68-minute quarter-final on Friday. The victory also assured him of a podium finish at the world event. While at least a bronze is certain for the Indian shuttler, he can better it if he manages to continue his winning run in the tournament.

HS Prannoy Signs Off With Maiden World Championships Bronze Medal

HS Prannoy's dream run at the World Championships ended after he lost in three games to world number 3 Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand in the men's singles semifinal to sign off with a bronze, extending India's record of having at least one medallist in the showpiece since 2011. The 31-year-old Prannoy squandered an opening game advantage and a 5-1 lead in the second as Vitidsarn, a three-time former world junior champion, dished out better defence and attack to win 18-21 21-13 21-14 and seal a second successive final spot. Notwithstanding the loss, it was a brilliant achievement for Prannoy as he became only the fifth Indian men's singles player to win a World Championships medal.