Should have kept a little more energy: HS Prannoy on draining defeat to Anders Antonsen

Indian shuttler HS Prannoy came close to pulling off a major upset against world No. 2 Anders Antonsen of Denmark, but went down 8-21, 21-17, 21-23 in the second round of the BWF World Championships on Wednesday.

Prannoy expressed his regret about not closing out the match despite holding two match points.

“Played a few bad shots towards the end. I should have kept a little more energy and tried to be on the attacking side. In the last 3-4 points, I felt he was on the attack and I gave him a few easy smashes that probably changed the game.

“I should have taken a few more chances at the net and played patiently,” Prannoy said after the loss.

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After a sub-par opening game, Prannoy bounced back in the second to force a decider, where crucial errors cost him the game.

“Losing match points always hurts, especially in big events. One match can change the course of a tournament. Beating somebody in form gives you a lot of confidence, but if you are on the other side it takes your entire effort away and you start doubting yourself again.

“I really didn’t want to be in that situation,” he added.

The world and Asian Games bronze medallist has been plagued by a series of health setbacks in recent years. He battled a chronic stomach disorder, a nagging back injury and even contracted Chikungunya right before the Paris Olympics.

“I’ve been trying to constantly improve on that front. Game-wise I’m there, I can still play a couple of years more, but fitness-wise I’m not able to keep up with these youngsters.

“The pace is too high and sometimes the body doesn’t react as I want it to. It’s a tad slower. That’s part and parcel of the game — the sport is fast and explosive.”

Prannoy also suggested that he might have one final World Championship appearance left in him.

“Probably one more. You want to push for a couple more years, but maximum would be one, and that too if I stretch really hard,” he said.

Published on Aug 28, 2025