Copenhagen, Denmark : India’s badminton sensation HS Prannoy displayed remarkable resilience as he secured a thrilling victory to secure a spot in the quarter-finals of the men’s singles event at the BWF World Badminton Championships 2023 held in Copenhagen, Denmark. However, his compatriot Lakshya Sen faced a tough challenge and bowed out after a hard-fought encounter.
World No. 9 HS Prannoy managed to outlast Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew, the reigning world champion and world No. 7. The gripping match stretched over 69 minutes, culminating in a 21-18, 15-21, and 21-19 victory for Prannoy. The final game saw both players locked in an intense battle, with the score tied at 19-all before Prannoy clinched victory under immense pressure. This marked his fourth win over Loh Kean Yew in their five meetings, showcasing his dominance on the court.
Reflecting on his performance, HS Prannoy shared, “My physio has some work tonight to get me ready for tomorrow. But I have been able to play back-to-back good matches. That’s been a positive change in the last few years. My body has been able to keep up. His determination and tenacity are evident in his consistent performances, even in high-pressure situations.
On the other hand, Lakshya Sen, seeded 11th, engaged in a gritty three-game battle against Thailand’s Kunalvut Vitidsarn, world No. 3. Despite a valiant effort, Sen fell short, ultimately losing the match 14-21, 21-16, and 13-21 after a 68-minute contest. The former world championship bronze medalist displayed his fighting spirit by bouncing back to force the match into a decider. However, Vitidsarn’s strategic play proved decisive, leading him to victory.
In men’s doubles action, India’s duo of Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy showcased their determination as they fought back from a setback to defeat Indonesia’s Leo Rolly Carnando and Daniel Marthin. The Indian pair emerged victorious with scores of 15-21, 21-19, and 9-21, displaying their resilience and teamwork on the court.
Unfortunately, India’s women’s doubles campaign concluded with Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand facing a tough challenge against China’s Chen Qing Chen and Jia Yi Fan, the top-seeded Chinese pair who are three-time world champions and Tokyo Olympics silver medallists. The Indian duo displayed their skills and spirit but ultimately succumbed to their formidable Chinese opponents with a score of 21-14, 21-9.
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