Malaysia Open: HS Prannoy stuns World No 4 Chou Tien Chen, PV Sindhu sets up QF with Tai Tzu Ying

    Indian shuttler PV Sindhu advanced to the quarterfinals at Malaysia Open Super 750 tournament after beating Phittayaporn Chaiwan of Thailand at Axiata Arena on June 30

    H S Prannoy Image credit: pia.images.co.uk H S Prannoy

    World No. 7 PV Sindhu won against the Thai Shuttler Phittayaporn Chaiwan 19-21, 21-9, 21-14 after a 57-minute long faceoff. In contrast, HS Prannoy defeated World No. 4 Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei 21-15, 21-7 in the men’s singles event to book a quarterfinal spot.

    HS Pranoy had a slow start to the match against Chou Tien Chen and committed a few unforced errors, allowing his opponent to take a 6-3 lead in the opening game. However, the former top 10 Indian sound found his rhythm and took control of the match with his excellent movement and smashes. He pushed Chou to the corners, took an 11-8 lead at the interval, and then easily won the first game 21-15.

    HS Pranoy completely dominated the second game as he won 12 straight points from 9-7 to seal his victory, while the World No. 4 of Indonesia failed to win even a single point in HS Pranoy’s rally. The victory improved the win-loss record of HS Pranoy against Chou Tien Chen to 2-4.

    HS Pranoy has been at the top of his form since winning all his matches during the victory of India at the Thomas Cup. He will next lock horns with Jonatan Christie of Indonesia in the quarterfinals of the Malaysia Open.

    Parupalli Kashyap was knocked out of the men’s singles event in the second round with a 21-19, 21-10 loss to Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand.

    PV Sindhu was troubled by Phittayaporn Chaiwan of Thailand as she had to fight through a three-setter to move to the next round of the women’s singles event after losing the opening game 19-21. She returned with renewed vigour and motivation in the second court after some advice from coach Park Tae Sang and clinched the second game 21-9.

    Her opponent was equally matched in the first half of the third game as the score was tied 10-10. However, PV Sindhu won the next point before the break to gain a lead, after which she completely dominated the second half to close the third game 21-15 comfortably.

    PV Sindhu will next face World No 2 Tai Tzu Ying of Taiwan in the quarterfinals of the Malaysian Open.

     

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