HS Prannoy is set to meet experienced 6th seed Chou Tien Chen in the Round of 16 at the China Open Super 1000 Badminton Tournament after a breathtaking comeback victory over Koki Watanabe in the first round.
Chou began his campaign with a solid straight-games win (21‑18, 21‑16) over compatriot Wang Tzu‑wei. Known for endurance and powerful smashes, Chou is a seasoned campaigner and recent cancer survivor.
HS Prannoy vs Chou Tien Chen: Match Preview
Chou Tien-Chen earlier narrowly defeated fellow countryman Wang Tzu-wei in a close contest to start his China Open campaign. Chou awaits clash with India’s HS Prannoy, who defeated Japan’s Koki Watanabe 8-21, 21-16, 23-21.
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Though, Prannoy trails Chou historically, with a record of 4‑6 in their 10 previous encounters, he is riding high on confidence after saving five match points and overcoming a 2–11 deficit and is expected to give Chou a run for his money.
Both veterans share years of top-level play. Prannoy’s adaptability (mid-match line switches, tempo changes) will be tested against Chou’s tactical depth and match maturity.
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– Mental Resilience vs Consistency
- Chou often maintains steady performance, capitalizing on opponent errors while Prannoy has displayed exceptional calm under pressure, but his opening games remain slightly inconsistent—something to watch.
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Chou likes to set the tone early with aggressive drives while Prannoy needs a strong start to avoid facing defensive futility.
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Prannoy has succeeded by switching pace and depth; Chou will seek consistent patterns and waiting for openings.
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Chou thrives on low-unforced-error play. If Prannoy can force Chou into mistakes through tight net and deceptive shots, he gains the upper hand.
– Physical & Tactical Comparison
- Physical Strength: CTC boasts of powerful clears & smashes, high rally endurance and overcame cancer to return while Prannoy returned from chikungunya early season and just delivered a 57‑minute thriller with remarkable energy.
- Tactical Style: While Chou has a steady, error-minimizing game and uses power and patience to wear opponents down, Prannoy has aggressive net play, mid-court dominance, and is adept at tactical shifts and reading opponents.
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They are well-known rivals, with the Chinese Taipei competitor holding a 7-6 advantage in their head-to-head matchups. It’s difficult to foresee how this will unfold given their tendency for demanding matches, but one thing is clear – Prannoy won’t surrender without his signature battle, a battle that is definitely restored in his legs now.
HS Prannoy’s Miraculous Win over Watanabe
A 33 years old and currently ranked World No. 35 in the BWF standings, Prannoy achieved an incredible victory during his international badminton return after nearly two months.
It was a 57-minute race against a competitor seven years younger and ranked 14 spots higher, and the disparity in the score reflects the outcome.
Interestingly, Doubles Specialist Satwiksairaj Rankireddy coached HS Prannoy during his match against Watanabe.
Prannoy’s comeback win over Watanabe isn’t just another match victory—it’s a powerful statement: he still belongs at the top. Recovering from illness and down in seemingly insurmountable situations, he dug deep to defy the odds.
From trailing 2‑11 and on the brink at 15‑20, he staged an incredible comeback that showcased his resilience, experience, and competitive spirit. A major confidence-builder as he moves into the Round of 16.
