Japan Open: HS Prannoy beats former world champion Loh Kean Yew to reach the quarterfinals

World No. 7 Loh Kean Yew pushed hard and took a comfortable lead in both games, but World No. 18 HS Prannoy held firm to secure his victory in straight sets.

HS Prannoy is having a fantastic season. He played a huge role in the victory of India at the prestigious Thoma Cup, clinching crucial wins in high-pressure matches.

Loh Kean Yew raced to an 11-17 lead in the first game, but HS Prannoy narrowed the deficit to 17-20. The 30-year-old Indian shuttler clinched five straight points to win the first game 22-20.

The 25-year-old Singaporean sensation began the second game aggressively and raced to an 11-4 lead by the break before further widening the lead to 14-6. However, HS Prannoy maintained his composure and pounced on the opportunity to pull off a reversal to clinch the game 21-19.

HS Prannoy will lock horns with Chou Tien-Chen of Taiwan in a quarterfinal clash of the BWF World Tour Super 750 event on September 2.

Kidambi Srikanth knocked out in straight games by Kanta Tsuneyama

Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth crashed out of the Japan Open 750 after losing 10-21, 16-21 in straight games to Kanta Tsuneyama of Japan on September 1.

World No. 12 Kidambi Srikanth advanced to the second round after securing a 22-20, 23-21 victory over World No. 4 Lee Zii Jia of Malaysia.

Kanta Tsuneyama began aggressively and took a 3-5 lead in the first game. He continued with the winning momentum to clinch the first game 10-21.

Kidambi Srikanth fought back in the second game and went into the midgame break with an 11-9 lead. However, the 26-year-old Japanese shuttler regained his momentum after the break and won the second game 23-21 to book a quarterfinal spot.

Kanta Tsuneyama will next face Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo of Indonesia in a quarterfinal clash on September 2.