Indian veteran shuttler HS Prannoy pulled off an astonishing comeback at the China Open, saving five match points to defeat Koki Watanabe in a thrilling opening round.
An Unbelievable Turnaround
Imagine being down 2-11 in a decider, then facing 15-20, staring at five match points against you. That’s exactly the scenario HS Prannoy faced against world No. 18 Koki Watanabe at the China Open, the year’s final Super 1000 event.
In a gripping 57-minute encounter, Prannoy defied the odds, winning 8-21, 21-16, 23-21. It was a display of sheer grit and determination that left fans and even Prannoy himself in awe.
“Lucky” Yet Determined
“Lucky,” Prannoy quipped after the match, adding, “Unexpected, I would say. It doesn’t go your way most of the time. I’m lucky to be on the winning side this time.” While luck certainly played a part, his never-say-die attitude was the true hero.
A pivotal moment came at 16-20 in the final game. Prannoy engaged in a nearly 50-shot rally, battling tirelessly to stay alive. This marathon exchange, which he ultimately won, ignited his belief and momentum.
He went on to save all five match points, pulling off a remarkable six-point streak to reach 21-20. After Watanabe saved one match point, Prannoy seized his second opportunity, letting out a massive roar of triumph.
Every Win Matters
For Prannoy, a seasoned player, every victory now holds significant weight. “I think at this point of my career, each and every win kind of matters,” he stated. “I’m happy to be back on tour. There have been small breaks here and there.”
He acknowledged the evolving landscape of men’s singles badminton, noting the influx of younger talent. “The level of men’s singles has gone really high. So winning each round is getting tougher day by day,” he explained. “The average age has become 22-23 all of a sudden in the men’s singles category. A lot of fresh faces, and you don’t know what their game is. So It’s tough to be a veteran out there.”
Mastering the Conditions
The match was a tale of two ends of the court. Prannoy struggled initially, misjudging the shuttle’s length from one side, likely due to drift. This led to an easy loss in the first game.
However, once he switched ends, his game dramatically improved. His half-smashes found their mark, his flatter exchanges gained pace, and his judgment of length was spot-on. He clawed back to win the second game 21-16, forcing a decider.
The Decisive Moments
The start of the third game saw Prannoy’s struggles return when he was back on the problematic side. He quickly fell behind, trailing by nine points at the mid-game interval. It seemed the match was slipping away.
But Prannoy mounted another charge, closing the gap with five quick points. A stunning behind-the-back winner by Watanabe at 15-18 nearly sealed Prannoy’s fate, leading to five match points for the Japanese player. Yet, Prannoy found another gear, orchestrating one of the most memorable comebacks of his career.
- HS Prannoy saved five match points against Koki Watanabe.
- The comeback included a pivotal 50-shot rally at 16-20 in the final game.
- Prannoy emphasizes that every win is crucial for him at this stage of his career.
- He adapted to court conditions and drift after a difficult first game.
This incredible victory not only propels Prannoy into the next round but also serves as a testament to his enduring spirit and competitive fire.
