Veteran Indian shuttler HS Prannoy displayed his trademark grit and resilience to edge past Malaysia’s Leong Jun Hao in a thrilling three-game encounter at the Kumamoto Masters 2025.
The World No. 35 rallied from a game down to prevail 16–21, 21–13, 23–21 in a contest that lasted just over an hour, securing his place in the Round of 16. It was the kind of match that has come to define Prannoy’s career a mix of patience, controlled aggression, and the never-say-die attitude that has made him India’s most consistent men’s singles performer over the past few seasons. At 33, the seasoned campaigner once again showed why he remains India’s trusted fighter on the world circuit.
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The opening game did not go according to plan for Prannoy. Leong Jun Hao, ranked World No. 22, began with sharp pace and intent, taking control of the rallies early. His ability to mix deception with quick smashes caught Prannoy slightly off-guard, and the Indian struggled to find his rhythm.
Trailing for most of the game, Prannoy attempted to change the tempo midway but Leong maintained his composure, closing the opener 21–16. It was a reminder of how dangerous the Malaysian can be when given space to dictate play.
If the first game was about Leong’s aggression, the second belonged entirely to Prannoy’s tactical acumen. Known for his ability to adjust mid-match, the Indian started using his experience to take the sting out of the rallies. He slowed down the pace, forcing Leong into longer exchanges, and began attacking from the midcourt instead of rushing the net.
The adjustment worked beautifully. Prannoy started drawing errors from the Malaysian’s forehand, while his cross-court defense looked increasingly impenetrable. By the interval, he led 11–6 and maintained complete control to seal the second game 21–13.
The roar at the end of the second game was vintage Prannoy a signal that the fight was far from over.
The Decider: Pure Drama
The third game was a battle of nerves, fitness, and heart. Both players exchanged the lead several times, with neither able to pull away. Every rally became a test of endurance, each point won through sheer perseverance rather than flashy winners. At 19–19, the tension inside the Prefectural Gymnasium was palpable. Leong earned two match points, but Prannoy, as he so often does, refused to bow. He saved both with remarkable composure first with a precise net shot and then with an audacious down-the-line winner that left Leong rooted to the spot.
Moments later, Prannoy converted his second match point, sealing the decider 23–21. The Indian pumped his fist and let out a roar a celebration of defiance, exhaustion, and triumph.
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For Indian fans, this victory was another reminder of Prannoy’s enduring hunger and physical intensity. Even as he navigates the latter phase of his career, his ability to produce big-match performances remains undiminished.
This was not the first time he has pulled off such an escape his wins at the 2023 Asian Games and the 2024 All England Open had similar hallmarks: trailing early, battling back, and finishing strong. The formula may be familiar, but its execution demands supreme mental strength and conditioning both of which Prannoy still possesses in abundance. With this result, Prannoy joins the pre-quarterfinal lineup at the Super 500 event, where he will next face Rasmus Gemke of Denmark. The Danish shuttler, ranked World No. 19, is known for his quick retrievals and steady backcourt defense a challenge tailor-made for another Prannoy marathon.
It wasn’t a good day for the other Indian men’s singles shuttlers. Ayush Shetty, ranked World No. 31, lost to Japan’s Kodai Naraoka 16–21, 11–21 in a straight-game defeat that reflected the gulf in experience. Naraoka, the World No. 10, controlled the tempo throughout and denied the young Indian any room to attack. Meanwhile, Tharun Mannepalli went down to South Korea’s Jeon Hyeok Jin 9–21, 19–21. The second game saw a much-improved showing from the Indian, who nearly forced a decider but fell short in the closing stages.
For Prannoy, this victory isn’t just about advancing to the Round of 16 it’s another reaffirmation of his place among the circuit’s toughest competitors. The ability to pull through in pressure moments, to dig deep after a slow start, has been the hallmark of his game for years.
His fighting spirit continues to inspire a generation of Indian players who have watched him battle the best in the world and still emerge with the same fire and hunger. As he prepares to face Gemke next, one thing is certain HS Prannoy isn’t done yet.
Match Summary: HS Prannoy (IND) def. Leong Jun Hao (MYS) 16–21, 21–13, 23–21
Duration: 67 minutes
Event: Kumamoto Masters Japan 2025 – Men’s Singles (Round of 32)
Next Match: HS Prannoy vs Rasmus Gemke (DEN) – Round of 16
