‘Unexpected... Lucky to Be on the Winning Side’: HS Prannoy on Thrilling Comeback Against Watanabe at China Open

Beijing: Indian shuttler HS Prannoy admitted he was surprised by his own comeback performance after defeating World No. 18 Koki Watanabe in a nail-biting first-round match at the China Open. Prannoy, currently ranked 35th, pulled off a dramatic 8-21, 21-16, 23-21 victory after trailing 2-11 in the deciding game.

“Unexpected, I would say. It doesn’t go your way most of the time. I’m lucky to be on the winning side,” Prannoy said after the match. “At this stage of my career, every win matters. I’m just happy to be back on tour.”

The 33-year-old had a rough start, losing the first game 8-21. He regained control in the second, winning it 21-16 to push the match into a decider. However, in the third game, things again looked grim for the Indian as he went into the interval trailing 2-11.

What followed was one of the most stunning comebacks in recent memory. Prannoy rallied with five quick points, closing the gap and inching back into contention. At 15-20, he stared down five match points—and saved them all. Holding his nerve in a tense finish, Prannoy clinched the decider 23-21, sealing the match in 57 minutes.

Reflecting on the intense contest, he said, “There have been short breaks here and there, and the level in men’s singles has risen a lot. Each round is getting tougher. I’m struggling to keep up with the younger guys—the average age is suddenly around 22-23. There are so many fresh faces, and you don’t really know their game. It’s tough being a veteran out there.”

Prannoy, who won bronze at the 2023 World Championships in Denmark, now has his eyes set on this year’s edition in France, scheduled for August 25–31.

“The World Championships is one of those tournaments you always look forward to. I’ve always loved competing in big events like this. We’ve got about a month to prepare, and I’m really excited,” he said.

He concluded with clear intent: “Denmark was very, very special for me. But I’d really love to take it one step further this time.”

Prannoy will face Taiwan’s Chou Tien Chen in the round of 16 on Wednesday at the China Open—this year’s final Super 1000 tournament.

With inputs from IANS