HS Prannoy Advances to Pre-Quarterfinals After Thrilling Victory

HS Prannoy, after recovering from chikungunya, advanced to the men's singles pre-quarterfinals at the Paris Olympics by defeating Vietnam's Le Duc Phat in a closely contested match. He will face Lakshya Sen next in an all-Indian clash.

India's HS Prannoy overcame a resilient challenge from Vietnam's Le Duc Phat in the final group match to secure a spot in the men's singles pre-quarterfinals at the Paris Olympics on Wednesday.

The 32-year-old, hailing from Kerala and making his Olympic debut after recovering from chikungunya, initially lost the opening game but bounced back with scores of 16-21, 21-11, 21-12 in a gripping contest.

A bronze medallist at the World Championships and Asian Games, Prannoy is set to compete against Lakshya Sen in an all-Indian pre-quarterfinal matchup next. Earlier, Prannoy defeated Germany's Fabian Roth in the opening group encounter.

(With inputs from agencies.)