Prannoy wins Indonesian Masters

Young Indian shuttler H S Prannoy clinched the maiden title of his career after winning the $1,25,000 Indonesian Masters Grand Prix Gold, following his straight-game victory over local favourite Firman Abdul Kholik in the finals in Palembang on Sunday.

In a 43-minute battle, fifth seed Prannoy, who finished runners-up at the $50,000 Vietnam Grand Prix in Hochiminh City last week, got the better of qualifier Firman 21-11, 22-20 in the men's singles competition.

The 22-year-old Prannoy dished out a dominating performance in the opening game as he opened up a 6-2 lead early on and then kept increasing the distance. He then reeling off five straight points to take a lead 1-0 at the GOR Jakabaring stadium.

Firman regrouped himself in the second game and moved 5-3 up but Prannoy fought back at 6-6 and grabbed a slender 9-7 lead. The Indonesian once again surged ahead to 12-9 and thereafter it was a gruelling battle, but Prannoy managed to earned a four-match point.

However, Firman clawed back with four straight points to draw level at 20-20. Prannoy then dug deep to reel off the next two points to seal the door on his opponent and celebrate his first title victory.

Prannoy won a silver medal in Boys' singles at 2010 Summer Youth Olympics.

Image: HS Prannoy

Photograph: Robertus Pudyanto/Getty Images