Japan Masters 2023: Indian challenge ends after Hs Prannoy loses in the second round

Indian shuttler HS Prannoy bowed out after losing to Chinese Taipei's Chou Tien Chen in a hard-fought second round match here on Thursday, ending India's challenge in the Japan Masters 2023 badminton tournament.

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Asian Games bronze medalist HS Prannoy won the first game of the Japan Masters 2023 but was unable to capitalize on it as he lost to world number 12 Chen 21-19 16-21 19-21 in the men's singles match that lasted 73 minutes.

Meanwhile, other players from India participating in the Japan Masters 2023 had failed to progress beyond the first round.

The world number eight Indian made a good start and was ahead 11-8 at the interval of the first game. Even after this, he maintained his lead and won the first game. The Chinese Taipei player made a good start by taking a 5-0 lead in the second game. However, Prannoy made a good comeback and leveled the score at 10-10. Chen then scored four consecutive points and then leveled the match by winning the second game.

Chen made a bright start in the third and deciding game and at one point led 12-4. Prannoy did not give up and leveled the score at 19-19. However, the Chinese Taipei player won the match by scoring two consecutive points.

Prannoy's defeat brought curtains on India's campaign at the Japan Masters 2023 tournament. Earlier, Lakshya Sen, Priyanshu Rajawat and doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty crashed out in the opening round of their respective matches.

Earlier on Wednesday, HS Prannoy secured a fighting win over Hong Kong's Lee Cheuk Yiu by a scoreline of 22-20, 19-21, 21-17 in an hour and 4 minutes, on his return to action after recovering from a back injury.

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HS Prannoy, Lakshya Sen, Priyanshu Rajawat and Satwik-Chirag pair will next be in action alongside more Indian shuttlers in the China Masters 2023, which is scheduled to take place from November 21 to November 26.