Prannoy gets the better of Priyanshu, in quarters

HS Prannoy's celebration act at the end of a match can sometimes be reminiscent of football players celebrating their goals. The t-shirt can come off, the dance moves can feature too. But on Thursday, after the match against Priyanshu Rajawat, his reactions were decidedly subdued.

- Sandip Sikdar

The senior pro had been pushed hard by the 21-year-old but even though they belong to separate generations, the respect and admiration between the two was clear for all to see.

Both are products of the Pullela Gopichand Badminton. Academy. Both were part of India's victorious Thomas Cup campaign in 2022. Both train together and have also played several matches in practice. While Priyanshu is grateful for whatever has been able learn from Prannoy-"Bhaiyya is always ready to teach me" the World Championships bronze medallist hails Priyanshu as Indian badminton's next big thing.

On Thursday, Priyanshu used his learnings well to take the opening game 22-20. But the 31-year-old is known as a slow starter, and he dug deep to find his rhythm. He used his experience to fight back and win the next two games 21-14, 21-14 to enter the $850,000 India Open men's singles quarter-finals with a 76-minute victory.