India’s H.S. Prannoy crashed out of the Indonesia Masters after suffering a straight-game defeat against China’s Xuan Chen Zhu in the men’s singles Round of 16 on Thursday.
The top-seeded Indian went down 20-22, 15-21 in a contest lasting 45 minutes, bringing an end to his campaign after he had battled through his previous match.
Prannoy remained competitive throughout a closely fought opening game. Zhu repeatedly managed to create small two or three-point advantages, but the Indian prevented his opponent from pulling away.
With Prannoy trailing 16-18, the World No. 39 produced a three-point burst to move 19-18 ahead. Zhu responded immediately to make it 19-19, before the players remained level at 20-20. The Chinese shuttler then claimed the crucial final two points to take the opener 22-20.
The second game proved more straightforward for Zhu. After surviving the tight opening contest, he established control and did not allow Prannoy to mount another significant comeback, eventually closing out the game 21-15.
Prannoy had reached the last 16 following a demanding victory against Chinese Taipei’s Liao Jhuo-Fu on Wednesday. After losing the first game, the Indian recovered to record an 18-21, 21-15, 21-19 win in one hour and four minutes.
He had received a bye in the opening round and was making his return to competition after the Taipei Open in late July, where his run also ended in the Round of 16. Prannoy was not included in India’s squad for the BWF World Championships in New Delhi.
There was better news for India in women’s singles, with top seed Ashmita Chaliha advancing after overcoming Malaysia’s Goh Jin Wei in three games.
Chaliha recovered strongly from a difficult opening game to register a 10-21, 21-10, 21-17 victory. The World No. 38, who trains under Park Tae-Sang at the National Centre of Excellence in Guwahati, entered the tournament after claiming her maiden BWF World Tour title last month.
She had defeated China’s fourth seed Han Qian Xi in the Korea Masters Super 300 final in Asan to secure that breakthrough title.
Third seed Anmol Kharb also progressed comfortably, defeating fellow Indian Ilishaa Pal 21-15, 21-11 to book her place in the next round.
