Indian shuttlers H. S. Prannoy and Lakshya Sen produced commanding performances to advance to the men’s singles second round of the Singapore Open Super 750 badminton tournament on Wednesday.
Prannoy registered one of his most significant victories in recent years, overcoming world No. 5 Jonatan Christie of Indonesia 10-21, 21-12, 21-18 in a hard-fought contest lasting just over an hour. The victory marked the Indian veteran’s first win over Christie in five years and highlighted his ability to bounce back strongly after a difficult opening game.
The 33-year-old, who won bronze medals at both the 2023 World Championships and Asian Games, looked out of rhythm early in the match as Christie dominated the first game with aggressive attacking play. The Indonesian established an 11-5 lead at the mid-game interval before extending his advantage comfortably to close out the opener.
Prannoy, however, responded brilliantly in the second game. Displaying greater control and patience in rallies, he steadily built momentum and entered the interval with an 11-7 lead. From there, the Indian maintained complete control and forced the contest into a deciding game.
The third game proved to be a tense battle with momentum shifting constantly between the two players. Christie raced to an early 6-3 lead before Prannoy fought back to edge ahead 13-11. The Indonesian later moved in front again at 18-16, appearing close to sealing victory. But Prannoy showed remarkable composure under pressure, winning the final five points in succession to complete a memorable comeback.
He will next face Singapore’s former world champion Loh Kean Yew in the second round.
Later in the day, Lakshya Sen also secured his place in the last 16 with an impressive straight-games victory over China’s Lu Guang Zu. The Indian won 21-17, 21-15 in just 42 minutes, producing a sharp and disciplined display against the world No. 24.
Lakshya, the 2021 World Championships bronze medallist, controlled key rallies throughout the match and rarely allowed his opponent to settle into rhythm. He now faces a difficult challenge against second-seeded Thai star Kunlavut Vitidsarn in the next round.
India also enjoyed success in mixed doubles, where Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto advanced after defeating Malaysia’s Wong Tien Ci and Lim Chiew Sien 21-14, 20-22, 21-13.
However, it was a disappointing day for some Indian players. Former world No. 1 Kidambi Srikanth suffered a narrow three-game defeat to Loh Kean Yew, while Malvika Bansod exited after losing to Chinese Taipei’s Lin Hsiang Ti despite taking the opening game.
In women’s doubles, sisters Rutaparna and Swetaparna Panda also bowed out in the opening round after a straight-games loss to Thailand’s P. Aiamvareesrisakul and S. Janpeng.
