This was the 28-year-old Dane’s third loss of the year, losing 14-21, 21-17, and 21-18.
At the season-ending badminton World Tour Finals in Bangkok, men’s world number one Viktor Axelsen lost unexpectedly to India’s H.S. Prannoy on Friday. The dominant Dane, who is 28 years old, suffered his third defeat this year, falling 14-21, 21-17, 21-18.
However, despite having a little less confidence, Axelsen, who won gold at the Tokyo Olympics last year, still makes it to Saturday’s semi-finals.
Due to China’s stringent Covid restrictions, the Badminton World Federation moved its $1.5 million flagship event to the Nimibutr Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.
After suffering two defeats earlier in the week, Prannoy was ineligible to advance to the following round, so he had nothing to lose in the match on Friday.
Axelsen had a strong start, winning the first game 21-14, and when he took a four-point lead early in the second, it looked like he was on his way to winning consecutive games.
However, Prannoy, who is 30 years old and is ranked 12th in the world, did not give up and clawed his way back after the break to win the second game 21-17.
Watch Prannoy Reaction after the game:
Prannoy, who helped India win the Thomas Cup for the first time in May, used a clever network to build an advantage in the final game, putting pressure on Axelsen, and leading to a 21-18 victory.
With a hat trick of victories in the other men’s group, Indonesian superstar Anthony Ginting and fellow Indonesian Jonatan Christie secured spots in the semis.
Ginting’s victory over Singaporean Loh Kean Yew was necessary for Christie’s advancement to the next stage.
Ginting, ranked seventh, defeated Loh, ranked third in the world, 23-21, 21-12.
Following the match, Ginting joked that Christie owed him one, telling reporters, “I’m really, really feeling happy and grateful.”
The men’s semi-finalist lineup was completed by Kodai Naraoka of Japan, who defeated Lu Guang Zu of China 21-19, 21-15.
In the ladies’ draw, badminton world number one singles star Akane Yamaguchi saw off danger from Indonesian novice Gregoria Mariska Tunjung to book a spot in the semis 21-15, 13-21, 21-18.
He Bing Jiao of China won the tournament for the third time, defeating Thai hopeful Busanan Ongbamrungphan 8-21, 22-20, 21-13 to advance.
Watch the Axelsen vs HS Prannoy Scorecard
In addition, Olympic champion Chen Yufei defeated young Korean An Se Young in two games, 21-16, and 21-12.
In Bangkok, play continues to complete the draw for the semi-finals.
Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand and Tai Tzu Ying of Taiwan will compete for the final spot in the tournament’s next stage later on Friday.
Read Also:- 2023 India Open: The star-studded field is led by Chen Yufei and Viktor Axelsen; PV Sindhu gets back to work