After Beating World No 1, Prannoy Knocks Out World Champ Chen Long

Two Indian men have qualified for the semi-finals of the Indonesia Open.

India’s H.S. Prannoy in action during the Indonesia Open. (Photo: AP)

Indian shuttler H S Prannoy continued his giant-killing spree to stun World and Olympic Champion Chen Long of China to enter the semi-finals of the Indonesia Super Series Premier along with Kidambi Srikanth.

A day after he dispatched three-time Olympic silver medallist and World No. 1 Lee Chong Wei, Prannoy showed his mettle once again as he saw off eighth seed Chen Long 21-18 16-21 21-19 in an energy-sapping men's singles match that lasted an hour and 15 minutes.

World No. 25 Prannoy, who made his way through the qualifiers, had never defeated the Chinese in their ealier three meetings but it was a different day as the Indian showed great athleticism and better control in windy conditions to emerge victories and enter his maiden semifinal of a super series event.

Kidambi Srikanth has also advanced to the semi-finals of the Indonesia Open. (Photo: AP)

Compatriot Srikanth, who was playing on another court, also reached the last four round with a 21-15 21-14 win over Chinese Taipei's Tzu Wei Wang.

Prannoy will take on the winner of the match between Japanese qualifier Kazumasa Sakai and England's Rajiv Ouseph, while Srikanth will face Korea second seed Son Wan Ho next.