IMAGE: HS Prannoy lost in straight games after a 53-minute battle. Photograph: BAI Media/X
India's HS Prannoy was knocked out of the All England Championships on Tuesday, after a straight-game defeat to France's Toma Junior Popov in the men's singles opening round.
On a comeback trail, Prannoy, a bronze medallist at the 2023 World Championships and Asian Games, fought for 53 minutes before going down 19-21, 16-21 to World No 17 Popov.
The 29-ranked Prannoy, had his chances in the opening game, leading 6-1 and 15-12, but faltered in the face of the relentless pressure of Popov, who turned the game around from 16-18 to 19-18 before taking the lead.
Popov grew in confidence after the change of ends, moving from 5-3 to 13-9.
The 32-year-old Indian fought back to level at 13-13, but Popov surged ahead as Prannoy crumbled.