Top Indian players HS Prannoy and Lakshya Sen were off to a solid start on the first day of the BWF World Championships in Copenhagen on Monday.
Prannoy defeated Kalle Koljonen of Finland 24-22, 21-10 and Lakshya made short work of Georges Julien Paul of Mauritius 21-12, 21-7. However, the mixed doubles pair of Rohan Kapoor and Sikki Reddy crashed out of the tournament losing to Adam Hall and Julie Macpherson of Scotland 14-21, 22-20, 21-18.
Kidambi Srikanth was knocked out in the first round. The former world No.1 lost to Kenta Nishimoto of Japan 14-21, 14-21.
As expected Prannoy faced a stiff challenge from Kaljonen. Though Prannoy is in great touch the southpaw from Finland gave a tough time in the first game. Known for surprising any opponent on his day and with the court conditions aiding him, Kaljonen took an early lead of 8-4 before Prannoy got into rhythm and secured seven points on the trot to lead 11-8 at the break.
But after the break Kaljonen took control and moved ahead of Prannoy (16-14).
Thereafter, he scored points at ease and was on the verge of clinching the game at 20-17. Prannoy did well to save three game points to make it 20-20 before making an unforced error to handover another game point to Kaljonen. At 20-21, Prannoy saved another crucial point with a perfect backhand block at the net (21-21), only to hit the next into the net (21-22).
Kaljonen failed to close it again and hit the shuttle long. At 22-22, Prannoy's deft work at the net helped him to move to 23-22. He then secured the crucial winner with a power-packed crosscourt smash. In the second round, Prannoy will play Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo.
