Japan Open: HS Prannoy lost to Chou Tien Che in the quarterfinal

The Indian campaign at the Japan Open ended with Indian shuttler HS Prannoy losing 21-17, 15-21, and 22-20 to world championships bronze medallist Chou Tien Chen of Taiwan in a quarterfinal clash.

HS Prannoy is one of the most consistent Indian players on the tennis circuit this season but has failed to end his more than five-year-long title drought.

HS Prannoy entered the match having won his last two meetings against Chou Tien Chen. 

In the opening game, the 30-year-old Indian shuttler raced to a 12-8 lead. However, Chou Tien Chen pulled off a reversal to make it 15-14.

The 32-year-old Taiwanese shuttler gained a two-point advantage after HS Prannoy dropped his net shot two times. He fired another stiff return, ending with HS Prannoy striking the ball into the net.

Chou Tien Chen took advantage of HS Prannoy’s errors to make it 10-6. HS Prannoy tried to drag his Taiwanese opponent into long rallies and levelled the score at 10-10.

HS Prannoy dominated the rest of the second game with tight defense and explosive smashes as Chou Tien Chen faltered on the front court to lose the game 15-21, forcing the match into a decider.

HS Prannoy lost his momentum in the third game and fell behind to 4-1. Chou Tien Chen went long thrice and ended an intense rally to make it 6-4.

HS Prannoy made excellent use of his precise cross-court returns to narrow the deficit to one point. However, he lost momentum after a series of unforced errors, allowing Chou Tien Chen to gain a 17-14 lead. 

The Taiwanese shuttler converted on his third match point opportunity to seal his victory after one hour and 20 minutes of play.

Chou Tien Chen will lock horns with SHI Yu Qi of China in the semifinal of the Japan Open 750 at Maruzen Intec Arena Osaka in Osaka, Japan, on September 3.

World No. 3 Chen Yufei also advanced to the semifinal after securing a 21-17, 21-6 victory over Gregoria Mariska Tunjung of Indonesia.