HS Prannoy lost a closely-fought contest against Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei 17-21, 21-15, 20-22 in the quarterfinals of the Japan Open Super-750 tournament on Friday. Despite saving three match points towards the end, Prannoy failed to down Chou in the one hour 20 minute pulsating contest.
Prannoy got off to a stuttering start, losing the first game. However, the Indian took the contest to the third game by pocketing the second game. Prannoy dug deep in the second game and involved his rival in rallies. He did well to control the pace of the game. Despite that Chou went into the break with a one-point lead (11-10). It was level till the 14th point as Prannoy retrieved almost everything and won points with some precise down the line smashes. Prannoy's sudden attack surprised Chou, who committed several unforced errors.
