Thomas & Uber Cup 2024: HS Prannoy Regains Winning Form as India Prepares for Quarterfinals; Schedule For Quarterfinals on May 2

New Delhi, May 1: India's highest-ranked singles player, HS Prannoy, showcased his winning form and readiness for crucial encounters, overcoming health issues with a remarkable comeback victory against Indonesia's Anthony Ginting.

This triumph came as the defending champions secured the second position in Group C at the BWF Thomas and Uber Cup 2024 in Chengdu, China, on Wednesday (May 1).

Thomas amp amp Uber Cup 2024 HS Prannoy Regains Winning Form

Having already secured a spot in the quarterfinals, the Indian contingent faced multiple-time champions Indonesia in their final group encounter, aiming to fine-tune their strategy for the knockout phase.

Meanwhile, the Indian women's team also advanced to the quarterfinals and is set to challenge Japan on Thursday morning. The draw for the men's team knockout stage had not been finalized at the time of reporting.

Despite a 1-4 defeat against Indonesia, the Indian men's team took away several positives from the match. Prannoy staged a remarkable comeback after dropping the opening game, while the doubles duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty forced a decider after saving multiple match points. Kidambi Srikanth came agonizingly close to victory in the third singles but fell short.

Prannoy faced a tough challenge in the initial stages against the agile Ginting but managed to find his rhythm, clinching a hard-fought 13-21, 21-12, 21-12 victory in just over an hour.

"I anticipated Ginting's quick start in the opening game. However, I remained confident that if I could stay neck and neck with him until the mid-game of the second set, I would have a chance," remarked Prannoy after the match, expressing his confidence in decisive moments.

The first doubles encounter witnessed a nail-biting battle, with Satwik and Chirag saving game points but eventually succumbing to a 24-22, 22-24, 21-19 loss against Muhammad Fikri and Bagas Maulana.

Lakshya Sen pushed reigning All England champion Jonatan Christie to the brink but couldn't seal the victory, conceding a hard-fought 18-21, 21-16, 17-21 defeat.

In the second doubles, Dhruv Kapila and Sai Pratheek K were entrusted with the responsibility instead of MR Arjun. Despite showing promise, they couldn't capitalize on a game point against the world no. 13 pairing of Leo Carnando and Daniel Marthin, eventually losing 22-20, 21-11.

The third singles encounter saw Kidambi Srikanth falter at crucial moments, losing 21-19, 22-24, 14-21 despite holding match points.

Result: India suffered a 1-4 defeat against Indonesia (HS Prannoy defeated Anthony Ginting 13-21, 21-12, 21-12; Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty lost to Muhammad Fikri/Bagas Maulana 22-24, 24-22, 17-21; Lakshya Sen lost to Jonatan Christie 18-21, 21-16, 17-21; Dhruv Kapila/Sai Pratheek K lost to Leo Carnando/Daniel Marthin 20-22, 11-21; Kidambi Srikanth lost to Chico Dwi Wardoyo 21-19, 22-24, 14-21)