India Open 2024: HS Prannoy goes down in the semifinals against Shi Yu Qi

Home favourite HS Prannoy on Saturday crashed out of the 2024 India Open following a 15-21, 5-21 defeat to China’s Shi Yu Qi in the semi-finals at the KD Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. Prannoy showed early signs of going ahead in the game when he was leading 5-2 in the first game, but a few erratic smashes and unforced errors led to his defeat and eventual ouster from the tournament.

From that 5-2 lead, Prannoy would go on to concede a few consecutive points to let his Chinese opponent crawl back and make it 6-6. Subsequently, Shi Yu Qi moved easily across the court and played with patience and precision to outwit Prannoy, who looked sloppy in the second game.

Read more: China Masters 2023: Christo Popov advances into the quarterfinals after defeating Shi Yuqi

What happened in the match?

In the opening game, HS Prannoy opened up a 6-3 lead with two steep returns after winning a net duel. A backhand going to the net and another net error from the Indian brought Shi Yu Qi back at 6-6. The Chinese played a couple of nice-looking around-the-head smashes to move to 10-8. Prannoy again clawed back before Shi Yu Qi entered the break with a one-point advantage with another precise smash.

The two engaged in a fierce battle as the lead changed hands too frequently, moving together till 14-14. But the Indian seemed to have lost his focus thereafter as sprayed his service into the net and then Shi Yu Qi produced a net kill and a smash to move to 17-14. Another smash on his opponent’s forehand and it was five-game points for the Chinese, who converted it by sending another one away from Prannoy.

Read more: India Open 2024: HS Prannoy’s extraordinary journey from the shadows to the forefront

After the change of sides, HS Prannoy just didn’t look in his element as Shi Yu Qi looked by far the better player as his net play was polished and he played some superb drops to open up a 6-3 lead. The Chinese looked in control as he dictated the rallies and often finished the points unleashing his precise smashes on the flanks.

Prannoy failed to curb his errors as his blocks went to the net and lifted long. Soon Shi Yu Qi held a handsome 11-4 advantage at the break. The Chinese looked patient as he took pace off the rallies using his drops and half smashes, reverse hits and drew errors from his opponent.

Prannoy body language said it all as he couldn’t put any pressure on his fancied opponent. In a jiffy, it was 17-5 in the Chinese favour. He took 15 match points and sealed it when the Indian went long again. In the finals, Shi Yu Qi will face Hong Kong’s Lee Cheuk Yiu, who stunned World Championships silver medallist Kodai Naraoka of Japan 21-13 15-21 21-19 to qualify for his first Super 750 men’s singles final at the India Open. The World No. 18 Lee reached the finals at the Hylo Open Super 300 and Thailand Open Super 500 last year.

Read more: India Open 2024: Twitter reacts as HS Prannoy reaches his maiden semifinals

Get the latest from Sportslumo.com by following us on Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.