Maiden win for Prannoy against No. 2 Kento Momota in World C’ship

KUALA LUMPUR – India’s men’s singles shuttler Prannoy H. S. was triumphant against Kento Momota today as he defeated the Japanese for the first time in nine years.

In an upset of 21-17,21-16, 18th-ranked Prannoy was faced with a difficult task as it took him 54 minutes to overcome world number 2 Momota in Round 32 of the World Championships in Tokyo, today.

“I knew I had to be disciplined against him, it is tough to play against someone who has played at the highest levels of badminton.

“I just needed to pace my game well and know which points to push for and which to play safe,” he said after the win.

Prannoy added that he has been working on his mental game, focusing on staying calm on the court when things heat up.

“I feel like I am in much better control of my game, but there is always more room for improvement.”

With the victory, Prannoy will next face fellow compatriot, world number 10 Lakshya Sen after the latter defeated Luis Enrique Penalver of Spain, 21-17, 21-10.

Meanwhile, Momota admitted that he started the match with the fear of making mistakes, which led him to avoid making aggressive attacks on Prannoy.

“My game was not the best today. I am fine physically but I need to implement more of my training knowledge into tournaments,” said Momota.

Momota has not been in his best form following his life-changing accident that took place only hours after claiming the Malaysia Masters title in January 2020.

The accident caused him to suffer a broken nose and fractured cheekbone and right eye socket. – The Vibes, August 24, 2022