Star Indian shuttler HS Prannoy defeated Kalle Koljonen of Finland in straight games on Monday to go to the men’s singles second round of the World Championships.
The World no. 9 Indian, who advanced to the quarterfinals in the last two editions, defeated left-handed Koljonen 24-22, 21-10, extending his head-to-head record against the Finn to 3-0.
His compatriot Lakshya Sen also advanced to the second round after defeating Georges Julien Paul of Mauritius 21-12, 21-7.
Having won a bronze medal in the 2021 edition, Sen is poised to face Korea’s Jeon Hyeok Jin in his upcoming match, while Prannoy is expected to contend with Indonesia’s Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo.