Prannoy enters pre-quarterfinals with win over Le Duc Phat

H.S. Prannoy advances to men's singles pre-quarterfinals at Paris Olympics after defeating Le Duc Phat in a tough match.

India's H.S. Prannoy staved off a spirited challenge from Vietnam's Le Duc Phat in the final group match to advance to the men's singles pre-quarterfinals at the Paris Olympics here on July 31.

The 32-year-old from Kerala, who had recovered from a bout of chikungunya to compete in his maiden Olympics, squandered the opening game but got his acts together in time to notch up a 16-21 21-11 21-12 over the world number 70 Le in a hard-fought 62-minute battle.

A world championships and Asian Games bronze medallist, Prannoy will next face Lakshya Sen in an all-Indian pre-quarterfinal clash.

World No 13 Prannoy looked a bit tired and a tad rusty as he couldn't control the proceedings early on.

Le dominated the rallies and in fact held the lead at 8-7 after close initial duel. A precise shot at the corner gave the Vietnamese a crucial two point lead.

Le used his jump smashes to trouble Prannoy, who couldn't play his game and fell 11-15 behind after the break. The Indian found the groove in time to make it 15-16 with an aggressive push at the back.

The Vietnamese moved up to 18-15 lead after punishing a weak backhand from Prannoy and then unleashed another jump smash on his opponent forehand to inch closer to the opening game.