HS Prannoy has been through a lot to become the best-ranked Indian player in the world. Now, he wants to be more consistent so he has a better chance of winning that elusive international title. Prannoy had a great year in 2022. He went from being ranked No. 34 in 2019 to No. 8 worldwide in 2022, thanks to some great performances throughout the year.
Prannoy is fighting through gastroesophageal reflux disease and COVID-19 right now. He was a crucial part of India’s epic Thomas Cup win in May and finished second at the Swiss Open Super 300. He also made it to the semifinals at the Indonesia Open Super 1000 and Malaysia Masters Super 500 events.
Prannoy tweeted, “At the beginning of 2022, things were different than they are now. There were no expectations back then, but now fans and coaches want them to win big tournaments. I’ve always set really low goals for myself.”
“For me, the most important thing is to focus on the process,” Prannoy said. “How I can get better for the next sessions is what I’m thinking about right now.” He received a straight invite to the World Tour Finals.
This invitation was the first time in his career after a string of outstanding performances in World Tour tournaments. He didn’t make it to the knockout stage, but he did beat world No. 1 Viktor Axelsen in a shocking match.
“Beating Viktor Axelsen at the World Tour Finals was a huge confidence boost. Before the event, I had not played many matches, so some pressure was involved. But by the end of my match against him, I felt I could win points even when things were tough.”
“So, all in all, the tournament was good. And beating Axelsen to end 2022 is always a good thing. Getting better at staying consistent and making it to the semifinals and finals is important. Then a win like this will be even sweeter.”
“The Olympic qualification period will also be part of the new season starting in May. Prannoy said that choosing suitable events will be very important and that he will try to push himself in the second half.”
“It’s hard to play three or four events in a row, so it’s better to play two or three tournaments if you need to, and your body can handle it. My plans are set until April or May. After that, there will be many tournaments to qualify for the Olympics.”
“I won’t try to play in too many tournaments during the first few months this year. Prannoy beat Lakshya Sen—a player who ranks tenth in the world—in a close match on Wednesday at the Malaysia Open Super 1000 tournament. Prannoy came from behind and won 22-24, 21-12, 21-18.”
The two Indians were playing against each other for the sixth time on the world tour. “That’s very strange. You travel to the biggest tournaments and run into a teammate there. I’ve dealt with him many times before.”
“To be honest, it’s happened a lot in the last six months,” he said. When asked if the drawing process should be changed, Prannoy said, “I think so.
There are many hard first-round games… I think that some rules should be changed. If you are in the top 10, you should have something going for you. You have been working so hard all year.
“I’m not used to playing against players like Lee Zii Jia and Kenta Nishimoto. I just don’t get the chance. It’s strange—they’re both from Indonesia.” The Indian player from Kerala, who is 30 years old, will play Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo next.
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