India’s star shuttler HS Prannoy lost to Thailand’s Kunlavut Viditsarn 21-18, 13-21, 14-21 in the World Badminton Championships semifinal clash that lasted 76 minutes at Copenhagen, Denmark.
First game
The first game started off with a neck-to-neck competition. After 5-5, Prannoy took a massive lead by bagging five points on the trot. Prannoy maintained the lead despite long rallies and mistakes near the net. After Vitidsarn suffered a bruise on his right knee, he got some medical attention. Prannoy was fresh after the break and won the first game by 21-18.
Second game
In the second game, Prannoy carried forward the momentum and took a four-point lead. Vitidsarn tried to tire Prannoy out with long rallies. Prannoy made a few unforced errors that allowed Vitidsarn to take a massive lead. At 13-15, the game was open for Prannoy to make a comeback but Vitidsarn overpowered him and won it by 21-13.
Third game
In the third game, Prannoy lacked the energy to put up a fight. On the other end, Vitidsarn was firing with rocket smashes catching Prannoy off-guard. Prannoy managed to make a comeback but once again his mistakes on the net cost him dearly and let the momentum slip. Vitidsarn did not let Prannoy off the hook and won the third game by 21-14 to send his opponent packing.
Medals for India at World Championships
PV Sindhu has alone won five medals at the World Badminton Championships. Also, Saina Nehwal has a silver medal and a bronze medal to her name at the event. In men's badminton, Kidambi Srikanth won the silver medal whereas B Sai Praneeth, Lakshya Sen and Prakash Padukone have bagged a bronze medal each.
Massive opportunity for Vitidsarn
While Prannoy bowed out with his maiden medal at the World Badminton Championships, Vitidsarn has an opportunity to bag gold with Viktor Axelsen out of the tournament already. It is also the World No.3’s second final on the trot.
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