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 7:54 AM GMT
Game 3: Prannoy opens up lead
Prannoy opens up a 2-0 lead in the decider. He seems dejected losing a close second game.
Yang draws level here as Prannoy goes wide.
- 6 Aug 2023 7:52 AM GMT
Prannoy forces decider
Yang is relying on a delay tactic. Umpires warns Yang. No result. Prannoy wins a marathon second game 23-21, forcing the decider. What an insane game!
31-year-old Prannoy leaves 24-year-old Yang gasping for breath.
Remember, Prannoy beats Chi Yu Jen and Anthony Ginting coming from behind.
- 6 Aug 2023 7:49 AM GMT
An unforced error from Yang
Third game point for Prannoy. Yang goes wide. 22-21 for Prannoy in the second game. Will Prannoy be 3rd time lucky?
- 6 Aug 2023 7:47 AM GMT
Yang saves Prannoy's 2nd game point
Yang sends down a flat crosscourt smash. Prannoy falls flat on the court. It is 21-21 in the second game.
- 6 Aug 2023 7:46 AM GMT
Prannoy on game point
A wonderful backhand from Prannoy from the net! He follows a couple of net dribbles and earns the game point from a backhand smash.
But no respite for him. Yang draws level at 20-20.
Prannoy replies with a smash after a few crisscrossing exchanges. It is 21-20 for Prannoy. Second game point chance for Prannoy.
- 6 Aug 2023 7:43 AM GMT
Game 2: Prannoy draws level
It is 19-19 in the second game. He leaves Yang worn out. Prannoy is engaging in net exchanges and wins a point drawing Yang close to the net.
- 6 Aug 2023 7:41 AM GMT
Game 2: Prannoy is a point behind
Prannoy makes it 18-19 with a few jumping returns. Yang plays it into the net. Chinese crowd is booing Prannoy.
- 6 Aug 2023 7:40 AM GMT
Game 2: Yang takes 19-17 lead
Prannoy's high placement goes wide. Yang takes 19-17 lead in the second game.
- 6 Aug 2023 7:39 AM GMT
Game 2: Yang hits wide
Yang hits wide on the left side. Prannoy trails 17-18 in the match.
- 6 Aug 2023 7:38 AM GMT
Game 2: Yang back on top
Yang's quick reflex drop shot from the net sees Prannoy hitting the net.
Prannoy sends the next one out of play. Three crucial points for Yang. He now leads 18-16 in the second game.
