Badminton
Australian Open Final HIGHLIGHTS: HS Prannoy loses 90-minute thriller against Weng Hong Yang - Scores, updates, blog
Catch the highlights of the Australian Open Super 500 men's singles final between HS Prannoy and Weng Hong Yang from Sydney.
FILE PHOTO: HS Prannoy of India faces Weng Hong Yang of China in the Australian Open Super 500 men's singles final in Sydney on August 6, 2023. (Photo credit: HS Prannoy/Twitter)
HS Prannoy lost a gruelling 90-minute thriller against world no. 24 Weng Hong Yang in the Australian Open men's singles final at the State Sports Centre in Sydney on Sunday.
With both players being cheered by a boisterous crowd - featuring both Indian and Chinese in the audience, they put up a remarkable display of badminton.
Yang won the opening set 21-9, but Prannoy drew level at 23-21 in the second game, with the match crossing an hour mark.
In the second 30 odds minutes, Prannoy led most of the game before Yang made a turnaround of luck to save Prannoy's championship point before drawing an error from the Indian to win his maiden World Tour title.
This was Prannoy and Hong Yang's second meeting. Their previous meeting at the Malaysia Masters final also went into a three-setter, and Prannoy won that in 94 minutes.
Follow highlights:
Live Updates
- 6 Aug 2023 8:30 AM GMT
Weng Hong Yang wins Australian Open Super 500
HS Prannoy's shot goes out of play. Weng Hong Yang wins the AUSTRALIAN OPEN men's singles title.
It is one heck of a match, with both players putting up a gallant show. This match puts their fitness level on the test. Despite being seven years older than Yang, Prannoy has given a tough fight to Yang, who trails for most of the third and final game but prevails 22-20 at the end.
Yang's body language gives the impression that he is dejected with the loss in the second game. But his intent to make a comeback becomes clear when he draws 19-19 level in the decider. And both players fall on their backs, gasping for breath.
Prannoy can only blame his luck today. He has put up a bold display. Both players are exhausted after 90 minutes of gruelling exchanges.
Final result:
Weng Hong Yang beats HS Prannoy 21-9, 21-23, 22-20 in 90 minutes.
- 6 Aug 2023 8:24 AM GMT
Weng Hong Yang on championship point now
Prannoy finds Yang's smash too hard to return. He hits the net. Yang leads 21-20,
- 6 Aug 2023 8:23 AM GMT
Yang saves Prannoy's championship point
Yang hits his net flick wide. Prannoy is on match point at 20-19.
Yang clips at the net to make it 20-20. Prannoy fails to return it and falls on the frontcourt.
- 6 Aug 2023 8:22 AM GMT
Game 3: Yang wins 5 points on the trot
Yang holds his nerves and wins 5 points on the trot. It is 19-19 in the decider. What a swing of fortune in the match!
- 6 Aug 2023 8:20 AM GMT
Both players are on the ground, Yang wins a 71-shot rally
Yang wins a great point. Both players are worn out. It is 18-19 for Yang after he wins a 71-shot rally.
We have now passed the 83rd-minute mark into the match.
- 6 Aug 2023 8:17 AM GMT
Game 3: Three quick points for Yang
Prannoy sends his toss wide. Yang leaves it to go wide. He follows it up with a smash. Three points for Yang. It is 17-19.
- 6 Aug 2023 8:16 AM GMT
Game 3: Yang reduces Prannoy's lead
A point for Yang. It is 15-19 for the Chinese player.
- 6 Aug 2023 8:15 AM GMT
Game 3: Prannoy leads 19-14
A flat smash on the backcourt. Yang falls on his face. It is too fast. Prannoy leads 18-14 now.
Prannoy makes it 19-14 with a crosscourt smash.
- 6 Aug 2023 8:13 AM GMT
Game 3: Prannoy maintains lead
Prannoy sends a mighty smash from his backcourt corner; Yang hits his return into the net. Prannoy is now leading 17-13.
- 6 Aug 2023 8:12 AM GMT
Game 3: Yang makes it 13-16
Yang is on a comeback trail. He is just three points behind now. Prannoy hits a smash right into the net. It is 13-16 in the 3rd game.
