Malaysia Open 2023: HS Prannoy trumps Lakshya Sen, PV Sindhu knocked out

India's doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty also won their opening round.

India had a decent outing on day 2 of the BWF 1000 Malaysia Open 2023 with HS Prannoy and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty making it to the second round. Two-time Olympic medallist, PV Sindhu lost to her arch-rival Carolina Marin from Spain in the opening round.

Malvika Bansod started the day's proceedings for India going down tamely to the second-seeded South Korean An Se Young in straight sets. WR. 28 Malvika is currently India’s number two in the singles category but couldn't find any momentum and breakthrough throughout the match.  

The most interesting match was HS Prannoy taking on Lakshya Sen with the former winning the match in three sets (22-24,21-12,21-18). Lakhsya Sen started the match on a positive note leading 8-4 but soon allowed Prannoy to take over the momentum trailing at the mid-game interval. Lakshya then came back hard to take the first set 22-24 winning the last two points on the trot.

Lakshya in the second game was only trailing by a point (7-8) and once again allowed Prannoy to take over the momentum losing tamely (12-21). Although the second set scoreline seemed to be a one-side battle, Lakshya had his chances which he couldn't capitalize. 

In the final game, Lakhsya Sen was 6-1 up and should have learnt from his previous performance that he failed to, allowing Prannoy to take lead at the mid-game interval from where Prannoy took over the proceeding winning the game and the match. HS Prannoy has proved why he is currently India’s number one making use of the opportunities which Lakshya couldn't. The 21-year-old had his moments to win but will come back stronger next week at the India Open.

The doubles specialist pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty defeated the Korean pair in straight sets (21-16,21-13). The head-to-record is in favour of the Indians 11-1.

PV Sindhu was playing her first match after a five-month injury break and put up a good fight against 2016 Rio Olympic gold medallist Carolina Marin losing the match in three sets (12-21,21-10, 15-21). PV Sindhu fought hard till the last but lack of match practice cost her the match. She has a week left and will be back strong at the India Open.