Badminton News: HS Prannoy entertained Indian badminton fans on Sunday, May 28, with a 21-19, 13-21, 12-18 win over Weng Hong Yang to claim the Malaysia Masters Super 500 title in Kuala Lumpur.
It was the world No.9’s first title on the BWF World Tour and her first individual international trophy in six years.
The only time Prannoy has reached the BWF World Tour final is currently at the 2022 Swiss Open, where he lost to Jonatan Christie in consecutive matches.
In recent years, the Keralite-born player has earned a reputation as a giant killer. He regularly knocked out some of the biggest names in badminton, but ultimately failed to turn those wins into titles. A series of injuries also did not help his cause.
Seeing HS Prannoy finally string together a historic victory to clinch a trophy at the age of 30 wowed badminton fans on social media.
The qualifying period for the Paris 2024 Olympics having begun, it was indeed a deserved victory for the Indian player, as many of them pointed out.
It wasn’t easy for HS Prannoy at the Malaysia Masters, but he played fearless badminton under pressure to make history.
After losing to world number 6 Chou Tien Chen a week ago in the Sudirman Cup, HS Prannoy will need to show his best when he returns to action this week. This time, the Indian won 16-21, 21-14, 21-13 over the bronze medalist at the 2022 World Championships.
Prannoy went on to beat defending All England champion Li Shi Feng 13-21, 21-16, 21-11. In the quarterfinals, he defeated 2018 Asian Games bronze medalist Kenta Nishimoto 25-23, 18-21 and 21-13.
The 30-year-old then progressed to the final when surprise signing Christian Adinata pulled out as he led 17-19 in the opener of their semi-final match.
In the highest event, the Indian beat Chinese Weng Hong Yang, bronze medalist at the 2022 Asian Championships, in three grueling matches.
Prannoy’s immense confidence made him the first Indian player to win the men’s singles title at the Malaysia Masters and the third Indian champion overall after PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal.
With several key tournaments scheduled over the coming weeks, the world number 9 will be eager to continue his impressive form.
Article Tags: HS Prannoy, Malaysia Masters 2023
