HS Prannoy Advances To Second Round Of World Championships
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. A calm Prannoy, however, saved all three game points before hitting wide to once again hand over the advantage to his rival.
