2023 Australian Open: HS Prannoy enters final - Highlights
HS Prannoy beat his compatriot Priyanshu Rajawat in the Australian Open Super 500 semifinal to enter Sunday's final. This is his 2nd BWF final of the year.
HS Prannoy facing Priyanshu Rajawat in the men's singles semifinals of the Australian Open Super 500 in Sydney on August 5, 2023. (Photo credit: Badminton Photo)
HS Prannoy saw out a spirited challenge from the in-form youngster Priyanshu Rajawat to win 21-18, 21-12 in an all-Indian men's singles semifinal of the Australian Open Super 500 in Sydney on Saturday.
Prannoy, the sixth seed, will face China's Weng Hong in the men's singles final on Sunday. This will be Prannoy's second BWF final of the year. The last time he had reached two finals in one year was back in 2014.
As it happened:
Prannoy ends the matter in a business-like way. Suddenly seems to tower over the net and Priyanshu looks lost for the first time in the match as Prannoy pulls away. 8 match points come up. Prannoy needs only one. Priyanshu and Prannoy embrace at the net. The apprentice gave a good fight, but as the last few minutes of the match showed, there was always going to be one master here today.
Prannoy wins 21-18, 21-12
Every time Priyanshu has fought back to draw level, Prannoy has taken his game a notch higher. Will this the last break in the match?
A few amazing rallies playing out in the second game. A 41-shot rally leaves Prannow sprawled on the floor. But the world number 9 looks to be in brilliant rythm now.
But then, Priyanshu steals 4 points in a row! This match just keeps on giving. Prannoy gets into a 8-7 lead with a drop shot. Amazing action!
What a topsy turvy game this was, but in the end, Prannoy takes 3 straight points with his attacking play to take the game.
Amazing reflex defence from Priyanshu! Hits a behind-the-back shot to frustrate Prannoy. Down by 2 points, Priyanshu's defence again brings scores level at 18-18.
Prannoy's strong smashes still proving to be a bit too much for Priyanshu whenever they are well directed, just like the one the world number 9 lands on the line with a cross court smash to get back into the lead at 15-14 after Priyanshu fights back to draw level.
Unforced errors letting Priyanshu down in the first few minutes of the match. Recovers a bit of composure, but Prannoy still seems to be the one who is controlling this match.
Priyanshu wins the first two points before Prannoy lays down his foot to take a series of points. A changing of the guard? Prannoy has other ideas.
Weng Hong Yang of China, who beat Lee Zii Jia, is waiting in the final.
Prannoy vs Priyanshu begins!