My focus is World Tour Finals: HS Prannoy

One of the most consistent players in the international circuit this season, Prannoy has consistently reached the quarters and semifinals this season but a title has still eluded him. The 30-year-old from Kerala recently replaced Tokyo Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen of Denmark at the top of the latest men's singles HSBC Race To Guangzhou rankings. He is leading with 58,090 points, having participated in 13 tournaments on the BWF World Tour this year.

Players in the top 8 qualify for the year-ending World Tour Finals scheduled to be held from December 14 to 18 in Guangzhou. "My focus would be the World Tour Finals. There are quite a few tournaments before that.

I hope to produce winning results in those," Prannoy said after guiding Kerala to a 3-1 win over Assam in the mixed team quarterfinals of the National Games here. "I have to be consistent. I would like to get into a good rhythm before the World Tour Finals.

I'm happy with my results over the last year and I need to be consistent." A former world number 8, Prannoy had slipped out of the top 20 after enduring a tough phase plagued with health issues and a slump in form. However, Prannoy has regained his place in the top 15 in the latest rankings and said his aim remains to get back into the elite 10. "I would like to get into the top 10 and preferably top five as I would get a better draw.

I also need to work on my game so that I should go beyond the semifinals. That is my priority now." On Saturday, Prannoy, returning to court after a month's break, didn't break any sweat as he saw off Orijit Chaliha 21-11 21-9 in a lop-sided contest. "I last played in the first week of September in Japan Open.