Japan Open: Loh Kean Yew defeated by H.S. Prannoy; Kidambi Srikanth knocked out
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Osaka: Indian shuttler H.S. Prannoy defeated Singapore's eighth-seeded Loh Kean Yew 22-20, 21-19 on Thursday to advance to the men's singles quarterfinals of the Japan Open.
Prannoy is the only Indian still competing in the Japan Open as Kidambi Srikanth was eliminated after losing to local favourite Kanta Tsuneyama by scores of 21-10, 21-16.
In 44 minutes, Prannoy outplayed Singapore's eighth-seeded Loh Kean Yew, a former world champion, by scores of 22-20 and 21-19.
Former world number 8, Prannoy, who had reached the quarterfinals of the world championships last week, brought out his best game to get the better of Loh Kean Yew in 44 minutes, IANS reported.
Prannoy is the last remaining Indian in the Japan Open after Kidambi Srikanth was knocked out following a 21-10, 21-16 loss to local favourite Kanta Tsuneyama.
Kidambi ousted Lee Zii Jia 22-20 23-21 after knocking on the door of defeating the spirited Malaysian. In doing so, the Indian recorded his first win over Lee in three encounters.
"For me, it was more about being consistent," Kidambi had said after the match.
"I've been close before playing against him. At one point I was leading 15-11 in the first game and he was playing some attacking shots, but for me, I needed to play consistently. I couldn't give away any easy points. I feel really happy. I'm definitely tired, but I'm looking forward to playing my next match."