Indonesia Open 2022: Prannoy enters quarterfinals, Sameer crashes out

There is still a slight chance of a podium finish at the tournament.

Indonesia Open 2022 is one of the most prestigious BWF tournaments on the calendar. India’s HS Prannoy has entered the quarter-final stage in the Men’s Singles category by winning his second-round fixture against a higher-ranked opponent. The Super 1000 series championship is currently taking place in the city of Jakarta, Indonesia. It lasts for a week where the best of the best badminton players from across the world, including the Indian shuttlers, battle it out for the prize which is USD$1,200,000 in total.

There was a lot to look forward to for the Indian badminton enthusiasts from the tournament before it began. However, several high-profile players like P.V. Sindhu, Lakshya Sen and Kidambi Srikanth could not navigate past the first round itself. As it happens, there is still a slender hope for India in the Men’s Singles bracket where HS Prannoy is earning a lot of praise with his performances.

Here is a condensed look at how the Indian shuttlers fared on day three of the Indonesia Open 2022:

Prannoy marches on

HS Prannoy marches into the quarterfinal of the Indonesia Open 2022. The Indian shuttler beat World No.12 NG Ka Long Angus of Hong Kong by a 21-11, 21-18 score. The contest went on for only 42 minutes which saw Prannoy get a straight games win in a very convincing manner. This is his third consecutive win over the opponent which now brings him closer to a podium finish.

Having said that, the next round has an even tougher challenge waiting for HS Prannoy. He will play against Rasmus Gemke of Denmark who is in an excellent vein of form. The shuttler beat second seed Kento Momota of Japan in the first round and demolished Brice Leverdez by 21-12, 21-15 to secure a tie against the Indian shuttler.

Disappointments galore elsewhere

Sameer Verma’s run came to an end at the Indonesia Open 2022. The shuttler was up against sixth seed Lee Zii Jia. The Malaysian player was too good for the Indian and secured an easy 21-10, 21-13 win inside 41 minutes. Despite a good start to the tournament, Verma simply got outplayed by a much more confident player on the day.

Facing heavy odds in Women’s Doubles, Ashwini Ponappa and N. Sikki Reddy crashed out of the tournament as well. The duo came up against top seeds Qing Chen Chen and Yi Fan Jia. The Chinese pair is a strong contender for the title and made little work of the Indian shuttlers. They secured a comfortable 21-16, 21-13 within 39 minutes only.

In Men’s Doubles, M.R. Arjun and Dhruv Kapila faced elimination in the second round as well. The Indian pair was bested by Yu Chen Liu and Xuan Yi Ou. The Chinese duo were in a strong rhythm and took the win thanks to a straight-game win. In a tie that lasted 41 minutes, the scores at the end read 21-19, 21-15 in the favour of the Chinese. 

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