HS Prannoy defeats world champions Lee Chong Wei and Chen Long at Indonesia Open Super Series

India’s young badminton ace HS Prannoy defeats World No 3 Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia and enters into quarter-finals of the Indonesia Open Super Series. Before the match, Prannoy accounts a 0-2 Head to Head record with Lee Chong Wei. Ranked 25 Prannoy, started well in game and dominated Lee 21-10 21-18. It took only 40 minutes for Prannoy to win the game.

Prannoy looked in good form and dominated in the first game ended the match with an ease. In the second game, Prannoy once again held a 10-6 lead, however the lead was quickly taken by Lee and proved more difficult for the Prannoy as Lee took an advantage of one point by 13-12 in the game. But Prannoy bounced back to game and again held a 17-14 lead. Lee, again leveled the score before the Prannoy shut the door and defeated him with some good points. And, Pannoy erased defeated Lee Chong Wei to win his seventh Indonesian title.

It was the first loss for Lee Chong Wei’s to world No. 25 Prannoy in three meetings. Chong Wei accepted the defeat graciously saying “I can’t be winning all the time. Sometimes I play poorly too. I didn’t have the rhythm and made so many mistakes,” and even praised Indian Badminton star HS Prannoy in his words “Prannoy was on fire. He played confidently. I saw his first-round match (against Indonesian Anthony Ginting) and he put up a really top-notch performance”.

“Lee looked ordinary today and I took my chances. I am very happy to have won,” Prannoy told PTI. Later, he tweeted as “First ever victory against Lee Chong Wei today! Thank you everyone for the incredible support. Looking forward for tomorrow's Quarterfinals!”

Prannoy, did not look back and defeated two-time World champion and reigning Olympic champion Chen Long with 21-18, 16-21, 21-19 and entered the semi-finals.