BWF Japan Masters 2023: HS Prannoy exits in pre-quarterfinals

He is the lone Indian to register a win in the competition.

India’s top ranked men’s singles shuttler, HS Prannoy, exited in the pre-quarterfinals after a loss to Chou Tien Chen in three games (21-19, 16-21, 19-21) at Japan Masters 2023. With this the Indian action in the competition comes to an end with Lakshya Sen, Priyanshu Rajawat and Satwik-Chirag losing in their respective opening round encounters.

Like the opening encounter, HS Prannoy enjoyed a bright start and held onto the lead for entire duration of the first game. He had healthy 4-point lead at (17-14) but failed to convert the game quickly allowing Chou Tien Chen make a comeback. Moreover, the shuttler from Chinese Taipei saved two match points (from 17-20 to 19-20) and was just few points away from leveling deficit.

In the end, the Indian managed to take home the first game. Prannoy had a horrendous start to the second game as he lost five straight points (0-5). However, in a matter of few minutes, the seventh seed made a comeback to level scoreline (6-6). The game continued to go move on level terms till the mid-game interval. The deadlock broke open from here as Chou Tien Chen surged ahead to solidify his position winning the game (21-16) thereby taking the match to the decider.

With momentum on Chou Tien Chen’s hand, Prannoy had to up his game and not lose patience. There were few close calls which did not go in his favour; not helping the cause. The decider was an one-sided affair as Chou marched forward quite comfortably. Prannoy did not lose hope and after trailing for the entire game made a comeback to level scores 19 all. He was behind at (15-19) and scored four straight points to get back into the encounter.

In the end, Chou Tien Chen scored two points to take away the win. This loss reduced the chances of Prannoy getting into the BWF Word Tour Finals as there is only one tournament left to be played in the BWF calendar.

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