HS Prannoy Kicks Off Olympics Campaign with Confident Straight-Sets Victory Over Fabian Roth
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/29th July 2024
India’s leading men’s singles badminton player, HS Prannoy, showcased his prowess and confidence in his Olympic debut by securing a convincing straight-sets victory against Germany’s Fabian Roth in a Group K match. Prannoy’s performance on Court 1 at the La Chapelle Arena demonstrated his readiness and tactical acumen as he won with scores of 21-18, 21-12.
Prannoy, currently ranked World No. 12 and a semifinalist at last year’s World Championships, delivered a strong opening performance in his Olympic campaign. Despite a challenging start where Roth put up a tough fight, Prannoy found his rhythm towards the end of the first game. His strategic adjustments allowed him to ease through the second game with relative ease, signaling a promising start to his tournament.
The 32-year-old Indian player expressed his satisfaction with his performance, noting that overcoming the initial challenge was crucial for building momentum. “I’m happy that I could push through the first match and wrap it up in straight games,” Prannoy told reporters. He explained that Roth’s strategy to dominate at the net posed an initial challenge, but once Prannoy adjusted his game, he felt more comfortable and confident. The shift in strategy helped him find his length and control, making the second game significantly easier.
Prannoy’s game began with a slow tempo, characterized by a series of half smashes and drop shots. Although he initially took a 2-0 lead, Roth quickly caught up and the match saw a tight contest. At the first break, Prannoy was narrowly ahead with a score of 11-10. Roth then managed to overtake him briefly by winning three consecutive points, putting Prannoy under pressure.
However, Prannoy demonstrated resilience and skill, leveling the score after an intense rally that saw him maneuver Roth across the court. From a 17-17 tie, Prannoy surged ahead to clinch the first game 21-18. The momentum carried over into the second game, where Prannoy’s superior play became evident. He won decisively with a score of 21-12, ensuring a strong start to his Olympic journey.
The support from Indian fans in the arena added to Prannoy’s confidence, creating an electric atmosphere that further fueled his performance. During the toss, Prannoy made a strategic choice, opting for the side that had previously troubled Lakshya Sen, another Indian player, with wind conditions. This decision was part of Prannoy’s broader tactical approach to the match.
With the win, Prannoy sets a positive tone for his subsequent matches and potential knockout rounds, where he might face fellow Indian player Lakshya Sen. His dominant display in this opening match underscores his readiness and determination to excel in the Olympic tournament, marking an auspicious beginning for his campaign.
