India’s top men’s singles shuttler, HS Prannoy, produced a vintage performance at the Malaysia Masters 2025 to overcome fifth seed Kenta Nishimoto in a gripping opening round clash.
In a match that tested every ounce of his experience and resilience, Prannoy came from behind to win 19-21, 21-17, 21-16 and move into the Round of 16 of the BWF Super 500 tournament.
Returning to the site of his memorable 2023 title run, Prannoy was up against a familiar opponent in World No. 12 Kenta Nishimoto, a crafty and tenacious player from Japan. The Indian, now 32, had lost his last three encounters to Nishimoto and trailed 2-5 in the head-to-head before this match.
A Test of Nerves and Grit
The opening game was a tightly contested battle, with both players engaging in long rallies and precise shotmaking. Prannoy showed glimpses of control but was edged out 19-21 as Nishimoto pulled away at the end with a couple of nerveless winners.
The second game was a mirror image of the first — only this time, Prannoy stepped up when it mattered most. Using his flat clears and smashes to good effect, the Indian stayed in touch throughout the game before accelerating post the interval to win 21-17 and force a decider.
In the third game, Nishimoto raced to a 12-7 lead and seemed set to close out the match. But Prannoy wasn’t done. Displaying his trademark composure and tactical nous, he reeled off five consecutive points to level the score at 12-all. That momentum shift turned the tide entirely in Prannoy’s favour.
He mixed up his pace, retrieved with grit, and kept the shuttle deep to draw errors from the Japanese. From 7-12 down, Prannoy won 14 of the next 18 points, sealing the decider 21-16.
It was a performance that reminded everyone why Prannoy remains one of the most dangerous players on the circuit when he is in rhythm. The manner in which he handled pressure situations, especially when trailing in the decider, speaks volumes about his mental strength and elite fitness even at this stage of his career.
Title Defense Hopes Alive
This victory marked Prannoy’s first win over Nishimoto in four matches, narrowing the head-to-head record to 3-5. Importantly, it also kept his title defense hopes alive at the Malaysia Masters, a venue where he had lifted his maiden BWF World Tour title in 2023.
Prannoy now awaits the winner of the match between Japan’s Yushi Tanaka and Vietnam’s Nguyen Hai Dang in the Round of 16. While the draw is still challenging, the Indian will take heart from the way he handled one of the most consistent players on the tour.
A Veteran Who Still Belongs
It’s not often you see players in their early thirties producing high-quality badminton with such consistency at this level. Prannoy, however, seems to be relishing the challenge. With renewed focus and tactical maturity, he continues to inspire the younger crop of Indian shuttlers with his hunger and passion for the game.
His ability to switch gears mid-rally, draw out long exchanges, and then convert crucial points with sharp placements and crosscourt smashes is what makes him a formidable opponent. Against Nishimoto, he also showed improved net control and better anticipation — all signs that his training and fitness are in the right place heading into the key stretch of the 2025 season.
With the Olympics behind him and plenty of motivation to stay among the world’s top 15, Prannoy’s showing in Malaysia is a strong signal that he’s not done yet.
Up Next: Pre-quarterfinals against either Yushi Tanaka or Nguyen Hai Dang. Another gritty contest could await, but if Prannoy maintains this form, he’ll be the player to watch once again.
Stay tuned for more updates on India’s campaign at the Malaysia Masters 2025 on the IndiaSportsHub App.
