BWF World Championships: HS Prannoy settles for bronze, loses to Kunlavut Vitidsarn in semis | Badminton News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Indian badminton player HS Prannoy won a hard-earned bronze medal at the BWF World Championships, following a fiercely fought semi-final clash against Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn. The thrilling match, lasting a captivating 1 hour and 15 minutes, saw the World No.9 Prannoy giving his all against the formidable third-ranked player, Vitidsarn.
Prannoy eventually lost the tightly contested last-four match 21-18, 13-21, 14-21.
Prannoy displayed his prowess by triumphing in the opening game with a score of 21-18, after an intense battle against Vitidsarn. However, the momentum shifted in the second game, where Vitidsarn surged ahead to a commanding 11-7 lead during the break, eventually sealing the game with a score of 21-13.
With the match delicately poised, both players entered the decisive third game with determination. Vitidsarn continued to exert pressure, securing an 11-7 lead during the break. The Thai player maintained his advantage, ultimately emerging victorious with a score of 21-14 in the third game, thereby clinching the match and the coveted spot in the final.
Prannoy’s remarkable journey to the semi-finals was highlighted by his stunning victory over the two-time defending champion, Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen. The 31-year-old athlete, hailing from Kerala, overcame the World No.1 player in a gripping quarterfinal match that lasted for 68 minutes, with scores of 13-21, 21-15, and 21-16.
Prannoy’s bronze medal extends India’s impressive track record in the BWF World Championships. His achievement contributes to India’s collection of 14 medals in the prestigious competition, underscoring the nation’s growing prominence on the global badminton stage.
Among the prominent medalists, PV Sindhu stands out with her five medals, including a gold in 2019. Saina Nehwal, another celebrated name, has secured two medals, a silver and bronze. Additionally, medalists in the singles category include Kidambi Srikanth (silver), Lakshya Sen (bronze), B Sai Praneeth (bronze), and the legendary Prakash Padukone (bronze).
In previous editions, Indian badminton continued to shine. The duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty claimed bronze, while the women’s doubles team of Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa earned their own bronze in 2011.
Prannoy’s outstanding performance not only showcases his prowess but also emphasises India’s ongoing excellence in badminton.