Paris (France): India's shuttler HS Prannoy put out a clinical performance to start his maiden campaign at the Summer Games as he beat Germany's lesser-ranked Fabian Roth with a straight-game win in men's singles competition here on Sunday.
The 32-year-old from Kerala, who suffering from chikungunya ahead of the Paris Games, emerged triumphant in his campaign opener, proving his mettle during the comfortable victory over the German shuttler by 2-0 (21-18 21-12). He took only 45 minutes to outplay his rival. He will next face Le Duc Phat of Vietnam on Wednesday in the second and final group match.
German had an upper hand against the 32-year-old as he was leading the first set with three points. At one stage the game was set up for the world number 82 Roth, but the Indian increased the pace to make it 19-17. They engaged in some quality rallies, but a sharp smash gave Prannoy two game points and he converted them after his opponent erred at the net.
🇮🇳 Update: Badminton 🏸 Men's Singles Group Stage Match👇
— SAI Media (@Media_SAI) July 28, 2024
Take a bow @PRANNOYHSPRI! You beauty😍
The⭐star shuttler begins his 🇫🇷 #ParisOlympics2024 campaign on a superb note as he defeats Germany's Fabian Roth by 21-18, 21-12 pic.twitter.com/EP8rmXIpBB
Prannoy, who had won bronze medals at the World Championships and the Asian Games last year, looked more at ease in the second game as he found his range and constructed the rallies well to move to 7-3.
Prannoy's net game, attacking shots and deft touch helped him to move to 16-11 in a jiffy. A backhand stroke handed the Indian eight match points and he sealed the affair after Roth sprayed a shot wide.
