H.S. Prannoy hits a return against Priyanshu Rajawat during their men’s singles semifinal match during the Australia Open badminton tournament in Sydney on August 5, 2023.
| Photo Credit: AFP
Star Indian shuttler HS Prannoy entered the Australian Open final after defeating compatriot Priyanshu Rajawat in straight games in Sydney on August 5.
The world number nine Prannoy took 43 minutes to ward off 21-year-old Rajawat’s challenge 21-18 21-12.
Making his maiden semifinal appearance in a Super 500 tournament, Orleans Masters champion Rajawat gave a good account of himself as he gave a tough fight to sixth seed Prannoy in the opening game.
However, Prannoy, who won the Malasysia Masters in May, dipped into his reservoir of experience to take the second game comfortable and seal the tie.
Prannoy will face China’s Weng Hong Yang in the final.