India’s HS Prannoy virtually crashed out of the race for the semi-finals of the BWF World Tour Finals after happening in three video games to China’s Lu Guang Xu in his second Group A match.
The 30-year-old from Kerala, who had misplaced to the identical opponent of their solely assembly on the French Open this yr, made a valiant effort however couldn’t go the gap, dropping 21-23 21-17 19-21. 84 minutes of fierce competitors. It was their second defeat in Group A after their opening match loss to Japan’s Kodai Naroka. The world quantity 12 Indian will subsequent tackle world primary and Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen on Friday.
With two losses, Prannoy’s probabilities of reaching the knockout stage at the moment are over and it relies on the result of a number of calculations. The match began on a degree enjoying subject with each the gamers exchanging blows however just a few unforced errors by Prannoy noticed Lu take a slim 6-4 lead. The two regarded to assault however the Chinese participant confirmed higher management as he entered the mid-game interval with a small two-point benefit.
After the restart, Prannoy tried to dominate the rallies and introduced the sport degree at 14-14 and took a two-point lead at 18-16. Lu made a brush on the web to slim it to 18-19 after which got here again to 19-19 when the Indian went extensive. Lu grabbed a sport level however Prannoy saved it earlier than dropping the second sport. The Indian saved a second sport level with a pointy backhand reflex, solely to get out for an additional one.
The Chinese sealed it this time with a exact return to the backline. There was little to separate the 2 within the second sport as nicely, as Prannoy caught up together with his opponent at 6-6 however recovered to take a one-point cushion on a toilet break after the Indian once more went lengthy. succeeded in
The momentum modified after the break as Prannoy hit a straight smash on his opponent’s forehand after which punished Lu for a brief carry to steer 14-12. Another exact smash and a pointy return to her opponent’s backhand put the Indian forward 18-13.
After a weak return, Prannoy grabbed 4 sport factors and got here again within the contest after one other web duel. The Indian managed the tempo within the rallies within the decider and took a 6-3 lead after a fortunate web wire. However, errors once more plagued his sport as Prannoy hit just a few photographs and allowed Lu to show the tables at 7-6.
The Chinese then used their velocity and fast reflexes to enter the ultimate midgame interval with a three-point lead.
Lu held the lead until 15-12 when Prannoy fought again to degree it at 16-16. With the match coming into its remaining part, each the shuttlers have been celebrating every level with fist pumps and roars as they edged to 19-19.
After a painful rally, Prannoy despatched an extended one to provide his opponent the match level and Lu sealed it when the Indian went extensive.
With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
