Injury strikes Prannoy, India bow out

India’s hopes at the Korea Masters Super 500 took a blow on Wednesday as HS Prannoy retired due to injury, while Ayush Shetty and Kiran George also bowed out in the opening round of the main draw.

Prannoy, 33, was trailing 5-8 against Indonesia’s Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo when he appeared to hurt his right ribs following a cross-court smash. After a brief medical timeout, he resumed play but struggled to move freely and eventually retired at 8-16, ending his campaign in disappointment.

Ayush Shetty, who won his first BWF title this season at the US Open Super 300, faced a tough challenge against Chinese Taipei’s Su Li Yang. Despite a determined effort, Ayush lost 18-21, 18-21 in a 47-minute clash.

Kiran George staged a strong fight against former world champion Loh Kean Yew of Singapore but fell 14-21, 22-20, 14-21. In the women’s singles, Anupama Upadhyaya was defeated 16-21, 15-21 by fourth seed and world No. 8 Putri Wardani of Indonesia.

India’s mixed doubles duo Mohit Jaglan and Lakshita Jaglan also exited after losing 7-21, 14-21 to Japan’s Yuichi Shimogami and Sayaka Hobara.

The first day at Suwon proved challenging for the Indian contingent as they now look to regroup and make a stronger push in the upcoming rounds.