HS Prannoy did the unthinkable in the Indonesia Super Series when he beat Olympic Champion and World Champion, Chen Long, in a gruelling 3 setter here in Jakarta. Prannoy was over the moon with this win and admitted that he was probably playing the best badminton of his life.
Prannoy was then quick to add that his improved fitness was the major reason for his giant strides in the World Badminton Circuit. He has earlier got the better off former world number one, Chong Wei in straight games on Thursday. World number 25 Prannoy is certainly set to jump through the rankings after the Indonesi Open comes to a close.
“It was physically very tough today. It was quite tiring towards the end, especially in the last few points I was trying to focus hard. I am happy I could execute my plans well. It is due to my improved fitness and I think it is one of the best matches of my career,” Prannoy told PTI
Prannoy conceded that he hated to play Long, as long is someone who would never get tired and hence it was tough to take the game to him. But a marked improvement in his own fitness led him to overturn the tide and bring to the fore his ‘A game’ even during the dying stages of the third set.
“I hate to play him. He is a sort of player who never gets tired and he has this slow sort of game.”
“He takes everything and he has this giant structure but still very balanced, so making him push is difficult. Even if you are playing good shots it seems you are not doing enough against him. To crack him is tough.”
“I was really getting confused in the end whether to go for lifts or pushes and so I ended up making three errors. I think after today’s game, I have learnt a lot and I hope this win will only help me as I go along in future,” he added.
Prannoy is now up against Kazumasa Sakai, a player he hasn’t ever faced on the international circuit.
“I haven’t played my next opponent ever. But it will be a tough match because he has been in good form. He has beaten so many quality players. He is in good touch and he adjusted well to the conditions here. He seems a tricky player especially at the net and it will be tough tomorrow, especially in the first game,” he said
