Tokyo

In a major upset, India’s HS Prannoy knocked out two-time former champion Kento Momota of Japan in the round of 32 clash in the World Championship on Wednesday.

Kento Momota was left stunned by the brilliant display of badminton skills by Prannoy.

The Indian shuttler never let his guard down, attacking from the very beginning to seal the match in straight sets 21-17, 21-16.

The former two-time BWF champion did not seem settled from the start and failed to capitalize on opportunities to score. Prannoy was able to cover the court effortlessly with a great mix of attack and defence, making the Japanese shuttler pay for his mistakes.

In the match that lasted just short of an hour, the Indian shuttler looked in control throughout. There were a few rallies that went on long but most of them ended with Prannoy edging past the Japanese shuttler.

This was Prannoy’s first win over Momota in eight outings. The Indian had won only one game against his highly-rated rival in their previous clashes.

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Prannoy will meet Lakshya Sen in the round of 16.