Resurgence of Indian Men’s Shuttlers at Japan Open; charges to Quarters

Indian shuttler, HS Prannoy continued his fantastic form in the Japan Open Super Series as he defeated Hsu Jen Hao of Taiwan with 21-16, 23-21 in the throbbing pre-quarter finals in Tokyo on Thursday; and moved to the quarters.

To join the club with Prannoy, Kidambi Srikanth continued his good attacking gameplay in the second round of main draws. He thrashed Hu Yun of Hong Kong with 21-12, 21-11 in less than half-an-hour to face World No. 2  Viktor Axelsen in the quarter finals.

Prannoy grabbed the early lead in the first game and before Hao could rebound, the Indian wrapped the game. Hao, however, managed to reach and took the three point lead at 7-4 in the second game to trail Prannoy.

Prannoy with his agile skills trailed Hao back. Tied 20-20 in the second game, Prannoy gave nothing away and won 23-21 to storm into quarter finals.

Yesss!! One more win here in Tokyo!! Would be facing Shi yuqi tomorrow to find my place in Semis of Japan open 🇯🇵 #teamindia @yonex_jp pic.twitter.com/tQMOBPWCML

— PRANNOY HS (@PRANNOYHSPRI) September 21, 2017

The Indonesia and Australia Open Champion, Srikanth Kidambi, who overcame a tough challenge with China’s Tian Houwei by bagging the match second time over their eight encounters.

Trailing and struggling in the beginning of the first game by 6-3, Srikanth trotted towards Yun at 7-7. Grabbing the lead at the break with 11-7, Srikanth cruised to 20-11 with three game points and bagged the first game with 21-12.

In the second game, Srikanth gave aggressive returns and surged to 5-3 and continued his healthy lead to 8-4. Srikanth was unstoppable at the moment. India’s No 1 shuttler steadily focused towards the finish line and ended the match with an ease with 21-11.

Terrific victory from @srikidambi.

Storms into the quarters of #JapanSS after defeating Hu Yun 21-12, 21-11 in only 29 minutes! 👌

— BAI Media (@BAI_Media) September 21, 2017

Prannoy, who always been a steady player and Srikanth who has shown the pulsating execution earlier this year made it to the final eight at Japan Open.