H.S Prannoy Advances to Quarterfinals at Taipei Open 2023!
Indian shuttlers had a mixed day at the Taipei Open 2023 on Thursday, with top singles player H.S Prannoy advancing to the quarterfinals while former Commonwealth Games gold medallist Parupalli Kashyap and the mixed doubles pair of c and Sikki Reddy losing in the second round.
Prannoy put up a stellar performance against Indonesia’s Tommy Sugiarto, defeating him 21-9, 21-17 in 36 minutes. He will now face China’s Li Yang Su in the quarterfinals. On the other hand, Kashyap’s hopes of reaching the same stage were dashed after he lost to Li Yang Su of Chinese Taipei 21-16, 21-17 in a second-round clash at Court 1 in Tian-Mu Arena.
The mixed doubles pair of Rohan Kapoor and Sikki Reddy too were unable to make it through the second round, losing to the local pair of Hsiang Jia Ming and Chiang Mei Hui 16-21, 17-21.
Despite the disappointing results from Kashyap and Kapoor-Reddy duo, Indian fans will be encouraged by Prannoy’s showing so far as he looks to continue his run in the tournament. India had earlier been represented in two events – Men’s Singles and Mixed Doubles – with Kidambi Srikanth pulling out due to an injury before the tournament started.
Prannoy has been in the form of his life in recent history and will be determined to continue his good run and make India proud with a medal at the Taipei Open 2023. The quarterfinals will take place on Friday and Indian fans will be hoping that Prannoy can put in another impressive performance and carry them through to the semis.
The Indian contingent has been well prepared and have trained hard in the lead up to the tournament. Prannoy will be hoping that his experience and skill can see him through this tough stage of the competition. His coach Sumeeth Reddy, who won a gold medal in 2008 at the Commonwealth Youth Games, will be in his corner providing support whenever needed.
Kashyap had put on an impressive display during the second round but ultimately couldn’t make it into the quarterfinals. He has been one of India’s most consistent shuttlers over the years and has done India proud on many occasions.
Rohan Kapoor and Sikki Reddy also gave a good account of themselves despite their loss, playing with great spirit and determination. Both have had a good season so far and will be looking to build on this performance in the coming tournaments.
All eyes will now shift to Prannoy, who has been in top form so far in the tournament. He will need to draw on his experience and skill to make it through the next stage of the event and help bring home the medal at Taipei Open 2023.