Japan Open 2023 HIGHLIGHTS: Prannoy and Satwik-Chirag knocked out in quarters; Lakshya reaches semis

Game 2: Prannoy takes lead at interval

Prannoy takes an 11-7 at the mid-game interval. Prannoy is reaping fruits for showing better judgement and control at the net.

Game 2: Axelsen makes a comeback

Four straight points for Axelsen. He trails 5-7 in the second game.

Prannoy extends his lead to 8-5. Axelsen seems not in his comfort zone. Prannoy is compelling him to stretch and that might be hurting his toes.

Game: Prannoy leads 7-1

Prannoy takes to 7-1 lead. Axelsen's return finds the net, and Prannoy celebrates with an iron fist and loud burst of scream. 

Game 2: Prannoy starts aggressively

Prannoy goes into a two-point lead and makes it three nil. The Indian wins a challenge. 

Axelsen makes an error of judgment. Prannoy sends a high toss, Axelsen assumes it is going out, but changes his mind at the last moment, the shuttle goes flat in his court. 

Prannoy takes 5-1 lead. 

Prannoy wins game one

What a comeback from Prannoy! An error of judgement from Axelsen and Prannoy's shot has been given an 'in' signal by the court official.

From trailing 1-5 at the beginning of the game to winning it, it demonstrates the effort Prannoy has put in to take the lead.

Game 1: Prannoy at game point

Axelsen grabs the next two points to make it 19-17. 

Again, both shuttlers engage in a delicate net play. Axelsen wants to get Prannoy wanting in the wrong side, but his shot goes wide. For the next point, Prannoy finds Axelsen crawling in his end, and he makes no mistake to sends a powerful flick.

A superb net play by Prannoy. Axelsen has no answer to it. He cannot reach the shuttle and falls on the court. Game point for Prannoy 20-19.

Game 1: Prannoy at game point

Axelsen grabs the next two points to make it 19-17. 

Again, both shuttlers engage in a delicate net play. Axelsen wants to get Prannoy wanting in the wrong side, but his shot goes wide. For the next point, Prannoy finds Axelsen crawling in his end, and he makes no mistake to sends a powerful flick.

A superb net play by Prannoy. Axelsen has no answer to it. He cannot reach the shuttle and falls on the court. 

Game 1: Prannoy levels the game

Five consecutive points for Prannoy. He equals the game 17-17. Some good exchanges at the net. Prannoy does not give up. He fights Axelsen's wish to be closer to the net and get lovely points. The game is poised for an intriguing finish. 

Game 1: Prannoy's smash goes wide

Slow exchanges of shuttle between the two shuttlers. Axelsen sends a high toss, Prannoy goes for it, attempting a smash, but it goes out. Axelsen earns another soft point. He extends the lead to 16-12. 

Axelsen is controlling the play, he is moving slowly, giving himself more time. But his court maneuver has been swift. This time, his shot leaves Prannoy in a puzzle as the shuttle lands in his wrong direction. Axelsen goes 17-12 up in the game.

Game 1: Prannoy smashes to fetch a point

Prannoy enters into double-digit figure with a crosscourt smash that lands on the edge of Axelsen's right court. 

The game remains 14-11 in Axelsen's favour.