Prannoy finishes runner-up at Swiss Open

Basel (Switzerland), March 27 : India’s Prannoy H S lost Swiss Open final to reigning Asian Games champion Jonatan Christie of Indonesia and ended his campaign as runner-up here at St. Jakobshalle. Prannoy, ranked 26, went down 12-21, 18-21 to the world no 8 Indonesian after displaying some excellent play in a summit clash. In the semifinal, the Indian stunned world no 5 Anthony Ginting to set up clash with Jonatan, who has ousted world championships silver medallist Kidambi Srikanth on Saturday. The opening game witnessed a close encounter before Jonatan head on to breather with 11-8 advantage. Post break, the Indonesian, who looked balanced and quick on his feet, reached 14-10. He maintained lead and stretched it to 18-10 with a series of points and clinched the first set 21-12. The second game started in a similar manner and the Indonesian took 11-7 advantage at the time of mid-game interval. After the break, Prannoy swung momentum and reduced the three-point lead to level it up 13-all but Jonatan quickly retained a lead, 16-13. Prannoy did all he can do by varying his shots to take the game in the decider but the Indonesian was too quick and reached the game point. Trailing 15-20, Prannoy made Jonatan work hard to win the match point as the Indian saved three match points before losing 18-21. BAV RNJ

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