Indian shuttler HS Prannoy delivered an unforgettable performance at the China Open, staging a dramatic comeback to defeat world No. 18 Koki Watanabe after saving five match points.
A Rollercoaster Start
The match began tough for Prannoy. In the opening game, he struggled significantly, especially with reading the court conditions and the drift. His shots often missed the lines, allowing Koki Watanabe to dominate.
Prannoy found himself quickly trailing and couldn’t quite get into the contest, losing the first game decisively with a score of 8-21. It seemed the drift was proving to be a major challenge for the Indian veteran.
Turning the Tables in Game Two
However, the tide began to turn in the second game. As players switched ends, Prannoy found a much better rhythm. He adjusted his game, with his half-smashes landing effectively and his flatter exchanges gaining more power.
His judgment of shuttle lengths also improved considerably. After a neck-and-neck start, Prannoy slowly edged ahead post-interval, forcing a decider by winning the second game 21-16.
The Decisive Game: Down but Not Out
The third and final game started much like the first for Prannoy. Back on the side where he struggled, the drift again seemed to play a part, and he missed his targets while attempting attacks. He quickly found himself in a deep hole, trailing by a massive 2-11.
Despite the huge deficit, Prannoy began to chip away at Watanabe’s lead after the interval, reeling off five quick points. The match became a tense cat-and-mouse game, with both players fighting for every point.
The Unbelievable Comeback
The drama peaked when Prannoy was trailing 15-20, facing a daunting five match points. Yet, he refused to give in. A pivotal moment came at 16-20 with a nearly 50-shot rally, which Prannoy incredibly managed to win, sparking his belief.
From there, the momentum swung entirely in his favor. He unleashed a stunning sequence of six consecutive points, including a reflex winner, to snatch the lead at 21-20. Watanabe saved one match point, but Prannoy clinched the thrilling contest 23-21 on his second opportunity, letting out a massive roar of triumph.
- HS Prannoy saved five match points in the final game against Koki Watanabe.
- He overcame a 2-11 deficit in the decider to secure the win.
- The comeback included a marathon 50-shot rally at a critical moment.
This remarkable victory showcases Prannoy’s incredible resilience and fighting spirit on the world stage.
