In a sport known for lightning reflexes and thin margins, Indian badminton ace HS Prannoy scripted one of the most improbable, spine-tingling comebacks of recent memory.
Trailing by a massive deficit, facing a red-hot opponent, and burdened by drift and pressure, Prannoy defied it all to prevail over Japan’s Koki Watanabe in the first round of the China Open S1000.
This wasn’t just a match; it was a statement of spirit, resilience, and that special HSP mentality fans have come to admire.
A Match of Three Acts
The contest began with warning signs for the Indian. Prannoy, ranked world no. 9, lost the opening game 8–21 as Watanabe, the world no. 18, exploited the drift and pushed Prannoy deep, forcing errors. The Japanese shuttler’s sharp attack and solid defence looked overwhelming, while Prannoy appeared out of rhythm and troubled by the conditions.
But in the second game, Prannoy recalibrated. Playing from the far end, he tightened his net play and slowed the pace, drawing Watanabe into longer rallies. The shift worked: Prannoy took the game 21–16, evening the contest and setting up a decider.
The Decider: Despair, Grit, and Glory
It’s the final game, though, that turned this match into folklore.
At the mid-game interval, Prannoy trailed 2–11. Yes, nine points behind in a race to 21. From the near side, which was clearly harder to control because of the drift, he struggled to keep the shuttle in play. Watanabe, quick on his feet and consistent, kept extending the lead.
As the match entered its final phase, Prannoy’s task looked impossible. At 15–20, he faced five match points one slip and it was over.
But what happened next was the stuff of legend.
Prannoy saved the first match point, then the second in a punishing rally of nearly 50 shots that had both players diving, lunging, and scrambling. The crowd, sensing the drama, rose to its feet, roaring louder with each point saved. Prannoy saved the third, the fourth, and the fifth refusing to blink under pressure.
Watanabe, to his credit, produced some jaw-dropping defence, but couldn’t land the final blow.
At 21–21, Prannoy edged ahead, lost a chance, but finally converted on his second match point to seal an extraordinary 23–21 win.
Scoreline & What It Means
Final score:
🇮🇳 Prannoy d. 🇯🇵 Watanabe — 8–21, 21–16, 23–21
From 2–11 down in the decider and 15–20 down facing defeat, Prannoy pulled off one of the most remarkable turnarounds ever seen at this level. Saving five match points isn’t just about skill; it demands mental steel, tactical clarity, and raw courage.
This victory sends Prannoy into the Round of 16 at the prestigious China Open S1000, where he will meet the winner of the all-Taiwan clash between Chou Tien-Chen and Wang Tzu-Wei.
More Than Just Numbers
Prannoy’s win wasn’t just about numbers on a scoreboard. It was about belief the refusal to accept defeat even when logic and momentum pointed the other way.
Both players struggled from the near side, with the shuttle drifting unpredictably. But Prannoy’s ability to adapt, slow the game down, and force Watanabe into mistakes under pressure was the difference. His “beast mode” mentality as fans call it was on full display.
As the crowd roared and gasped, Prannoy showcased why he is still India’s most feared closer in tight matches.
A Champion’s Mindset
Prannoy’s career has been built on moments like this: big wins against higher-ranked players, comebacks from impossible positions, and a style that thrives in chaos. Today, he once again reminded fans and critics alike why he remains one of the fiercest competitors on tour.
It wasn’t just the saves; it was the calm, the deep lunges, and the choice to trust his attacking instincts right when it mattered most.
Next Up
The road doesn’t get easier. The China Open S1000 is one of the toughest events on the BWF calendar. But after a victory like this, Prannoy carries more than just momentum he carries belief.
As he prepares for the Round of 16, Indian fans will remember this match not just for the score, but for the spirit it embodied.
From 2–11 to 23–21. Five match points saved. One heart-stopping comeback.
HS Prannoytake a bow. 🏸🔥
#ChinaOpen2025 #HSPrannoy #NeverGiveUp
