Prannoy relives unforgettable India Open journey

New Delhi, April 27 (IANS)

H.S. Prannoy of India during men?s quarter final match of Badminton Indian Open against Malaysia’s Lee Chong Wei at Siri Fort Sports complex on April 26, 2013 in New Delhi, India.

Very few shuttlers can claim what Haseena Sunilkumar Prannoy has achieved at the India Open Super Series this week.

The 20-year-old, ranked merely No.76 in the world, played two legends of the game – Taufik Hidayat and Lee Chong Wei – on back-to-back days, managing to beat one.

The shuttler, who hails from Kerala, beat former Olympic and World Champion Taufik and almost managed to sneak a game in the match against two-time Olympic silver medallist and current World No.1 Lee.

“This has to be one of the best tournaments I have ever played in. First beating Taufik itself was unbelievable and next day facing Lee Chong Wei, against whom I almost managed a game. This has given me a lot exposure and I hope to regularly play against top players so that my performance also improves,” Prannoy told IANS Saturday.

Lee was so impressed with Prannoy’s performance after their quarterfinal clash Friday that he called the World No.76 one of the brightest prospects for Indian badminton.

“Well yes it is very nice to hear those words from Lee. I really feel on top of the world,” said Prannoy, who was blushing after receiving the compliment.