Credit: Twitter
Indian shuttler HS Prannoy staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Lee Cheuk Yiu of Hong Kong in the round of 16 of the Australian Open badminton championship on Thursday. The World No. 9 prevailed 19-21, 21-19, 21-13 in a thrilling encounter that lasted 74 minutes.
Prannoy had a slow start as he lost the first game 18-21 and even conceded a five-point lead in the second set, 1-6. Prannoy, however, regrouped quickly and took control of the second game with his aggressive play as he raced to an 11-10 lead and never looked back. The Indians eventually won the second set, 21-19.
The third game was a pretty dominant affair, as Prannoy looked at his best as he took an 11-4 lead halfway through the third game. The 31-year-old looked in control as he comfortably won the match 21-13.
PV Sindhu beats valiant youngster Aakarshi Kashyap to enter quarterfinals
India’s two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu overcame a spirited challenge from her compatriot Aakarshi Kashyap to enter the quarterfinals of the Australian Open. Sindhu, who is looking for her first title of the year, won 21-14, 21-10 in a 41-minute encounter.
Sindhu, who had defeated another Indian, Ashmita Chaliha, in the first round, faced some resistance from the 21-year-old Kashyap in the early stages of the match. Kashyap, who had upset Goh Jin Wei of Malaysia in her opener, matched Sindhu’s pace and power and kept the score level until 13-13 but Sindhu showed her class and walked away with the match in straight sets.
Regarding other Indians competing in the tournament, Kidambi Srikanth, and Priyanshu Rajawat advanced to the singles quarterfinals, while young Mithun Manjunath put on a courageous performance before exiting the competition and managed to turn heads.
