Japan Open 2022: Prannoy's defeat in quarterfinal ends India's campaign

Osaka: HS Prannoy's loss against Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei in the men's singles quarterfinals on Friday put an end to India's participation in the Japan Open 2022 badminton event.

Prannoy put up a valiant effort but ultimately fell to an in-form Chen, the fourth seed and bronze medalist from the BWF World Championships that were held last month, in a marathon match that lasted one hour and twenty-one minutes.

The 30-year-old Indian, who had ousted the 2021 world champion, Loh Kean Yew of Singapore, in the pre-quarters on Thursday, made a good start and raced to an 11-7 lead in the first game. However, world No. 6 Chen came back into the game after the break and went on to take the all-important lead.

The second game saw the world No. 18 Prannoy go on the offensive as Chen spent most of his time on the back foot. The Indian shuttler easily won the game and stretched the match into a decider.

The tide seemed to change again in game three, as Chen looked comfortably placed with a handy 11-5 lead at the break. Prannoy, though, came roaring back and managed to level the game at 20-all.

However, as the match entered its final phases, Prannoy's exertion was visible after the long struggle and unforced errors kept creeping into his game. Chen eventually edged out the decider 22-20 to secure his fourth win over Prannoy in seven head-to-head meetings.

With inputs from IANS