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India’s HS Prannoy crashed out of the Badminton World Championships, losing 16-21 21-19 18-21 to Viktor Axelson of Denmark in the third round on Thursday.
The Indian began the match on a positive note, starting off with a 5-2 early lead, but Axelson made a strong comeback into the match, levelling the scores at 8-8 and then taking the lead to put Prannoy on the backfoot. He would eventually lead 11-8 at the interval mark.
After the interval, the Dane continued to have control over proceedings before the 11th seed started to get back into the match, winning 4 out of the next 7 points to reduce the deficit to 12-14.
But Axelson refused to give away his hold on the match, pegging the Indian back, by winning 3 out of the next 5 points to go 17-14 up. A few errors from Prannnoy didn't help his cause either and Axelson eventually sealed the opening game in his favour 21-16.
The second game began with both players winning 2 out of their first 4 points each but it was Axelson who took the lead winning the next 2 points to go 4-2 up. Courtesy a smash and some smart play near the net, Prannoy, first, got it back to level terms at 4-4 and then took a 2-point lead at 6-4 before Axelson pulled it back to 6-6. After yet another tight tussle in points, the Indian finally started to take control and led 11-7 at the break.
After the break, Prannoy continued to strengthen his position in the game and despite the Dane trying his best to maake comeback, eventually held his nerve and won the game 21-19 to take the match into a decider.
The decider proved to be nail-biting contest with both players exchanging leads regularly but att the 4-4 mark, Axelson took thee vital lead, winning 2 points straight to go 6-4 up and then stretching the lead to 11-7 at the break.
After the break, Axelson continued to hold all the aces even but Prannoy started to fight back into the match, and steadily started to close the gap on the Dane.The match started to beccomme absolutely intriguing but a crucial error at the net by Prannoy meant that Axelson won the decider 21-18 and moved into the quarters.
Final Scoreline- Viktor Axelson beats HS Prannoy 21-16 19-21 21-18
