Paris Olympics 2024: PV Sindhu and HS Prannoy make winning start

Both players record straight games victory at Paris Olympics 2024.

PV Sindhu was in playing with style, facing little hassle from Fatima Nabaaha Abdul Razzaq of Maldives at the La Chapelle Arena during Paris Olympics 2024 on July 28. She went to win without a sweat in the women’s singles Group M match at Paris, with a convincing score of 21-9, 21-6 in just 29 minutes.

Sindhu was at her best with her wide repertoire of shots that simply swamped the opposition. Though she made a few mistakes, Fatima was not in the position to make use of them, as Sindhu sealed the first game within 13 minutes. The second game was more or less a repeat of what happened in the first, with Sindhu’s impeccable shot selection leaving Fatima gasping.

Talking about her performance, Sindhu said she was satisfied with the start to the Paris Olympics 2024 because it helped her get used to the court and the atmosphere. She does feel there are improvements in her game, especially in terms of movement and execution of strokes—two factors very important in competing at the highest level during major tournaments.

Sindhu will be looking forward to the next group match against Kristin Kuuba of Estonia on July 31, she should be looking to extend her winning run at the Paris Olympics 2024.

Joining Sindhu will be HS Prannoy who turned in a dominating display against Germany’s Fabian Roth in his Group K contest at the Paris Olympics 2024. The crucial win will see him go top of the group. In an entertainingly contested match that lasted for 45 minutes, Prannoy showed grit as he won 21-18, 21-12.

The first game was well-contested, with both players exchanging points in the early phase. Prannoy blasted out with rapid returns and precise smashes to take an initial lead before Roth leveled proceedings. Though Roth tried to stay competitive, consistency and aggressive play by Prannoy saw him edge ahead to eventually take the first game 21-18.

Also Read: Paris Olympics 2024 badminton, Day 2 Highlights

In the second, the Indian never lost grip from the beginning. Prannoy employed sharp cross-court smashes and raced to a five point lead. He kept the momentum going till the end. He cashed in on Roth’s errors and a few tactical plays to lead 11-6 at the mid-game break.

Roth was always on the back foot as Prannoy adopted a relentless attacking style to close out the game 21-12 with a brilliant display of skill and strategy.

This win has taken Prannoy to the top of Group K, and he now needs just one more win to get into the round of 16 at Paris Olympics 2024. He will be playing Vietnam’s Le Duc Phat on July 31 and will be seeking to keep up the good work in pursuit of an Olympic success.

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