Malaysia Masters Super 500, QF blog: Prannoy battles past Nishimoto, Sindhu wins thriller vs Zhang

That will be all for the blog. Join us on semifinal Saturday.

PV Sindhu won her quarter-final tie in a thrilling match against Zhang Yi Man of China 21-16, 13-21, 22-20. She will face Gregoria Mariska Tunjung of Indonesia in the semis in a rematch of the Madrid Masters final that the latter won.

Prannoy continued his brilliant run in BWF World Tour Super 500 Event as he defeated Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto 25-23, 18-21, 21-13 in the quarter finals and moved into the semifinals where he will face Christian Adinata of Indonesia, who defeated Srikanth earlier.

— BAI

Today, Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei will be inducted to the BWF Hall of Fame. We spoke to HS Prannoy about the greatness of these two marvellous athletes, what it was like to play them and even beat them.

HS Prannoy: Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei once in-a-generation athletes, cherished playing against them

Watch highlights of Sindhu’s win:

India’s results today:

MS QF, Kenta Nishimoto 23-25, 21-18, 13-21 HS Prannoy: The start to the decider was such a cushion for Prannoy.

MS QF, Kenta Nishimoto 23-25, 21-18, 13-21 HS Prannoy: That is another huge win for Prannoy on what is turning out to be a fine week for him! Another three-game marathon and he is into the semifinal to take on Christian Adinata (we were so close to a Sri-HSP semi)

MS QF, Kenta Nishimoto 23-25, 21-18, 13-20 HS Prannoy: There’s a handful of match points for Prannoy.

MS QF, Kenta Nishimoto 23-25, 21-18, 12-19 HS Prannoy: The finish line in sight for Prannoy but Kenta has found some reserve energy. As I type that, a super quick point by Prannoy and he gets the serve back.

MS QF, Kenta Nishimoto 23-25, 21-18, 10-17 HS Prannoy: Big lead here for Prannoy.

MS QF, Kenta Nishimoto 23-25, 21-18, 8-13 HS Prannoy: Much needed couple of points for Prannoy.

MS QF, Kenta Nishimoto 23-25, 21-18, 8-11 HS Prannoy: Well, well. Kenta now with the momentum after the change of ends. Three straight points.

MS QF, Kenta Nishimoto 23-25, 21-18, 5-11 HS Prannoy: Well, well. Nishimoto (if anything) has looked a bit more leggy than Prannoy. The Indian has found some clever angles and he has a 11-5 lead at the final change of ends. Nearly there. But not done yet.

MS QF, Kenta Nishimoto 23-25, 21-18, 5-9 HS Prannoy: A few whistles in the arena as Prannoy plays a superb crosscourt shot but a fluent Kenta would have gotten there. HSP needs to make the most of this phase.

MS QF, Kenta Nishimoto 23-25, 21-18, 4-7 HS Prannoy: A few tired shots here from Kenta.

MS QF, Kenta Nishimoto 23-25, 21-18, 3-3 HS Prannoy: Another gruelling rally. Nishimoto too starting to show signs of tiredness but he has a tendency to up his game in such situations.

MS QF, Kenta Nishimoto 23-25, 21-18, 2-2 HS Prannoy: The left knee is also heavily taped now for Prannoy.

MS QF, Kenta Nishimoto 23-25 21-18 HS Prannoy: This is absolutely brutal stuff! Prannoy closes the gap down, stays in the hunt (nearly made it 19-19) but Nishimoto takes game 2 after another tiring rally.

MS QF, Kenta Nishimoto 23-25 20-18 HS Prannoy: No! A superb rally, a flat exchange and Prannoy sen ds the shuttle long going for the kill, The point was there for the taking.

MS QF, Kenta Nishimoto 23-25 19-18 HS Prannoy: Nice smash from HSP. One point in this.

MS QF, Kenta Nishimoto 23-25 19-17 HS Prannoy: Nishimoto on the floor again as Prannoy hits a crosscourt winner and Prannoy keeps himself in the hunt in game 2. Man, this is tiring.

MS QF, Kenta Nishimoto 23-25 19-15 HS Prannoy: Ah, what do they say about luck? Net cord for Kenta favourably now.

MS QF, Kenta Nishimoto 23-25 17-15 HS Prannoy: Nishimoto is on the floor and Prannoy gets the point via the net cord. HE is still feeling his knees but the gap is down to two.

MS QF, Kenta Nishimoto 23-25 17-13 HS Prannoy: Now seems to be moving just about alright, is Prannoy. Trying to close the gap down.

MS QF, Kenta Nishimoto 23-25 16-11 HS Prannoy: Nishimoto with a 5-point lead now and Prannoy has a limp at the end of that rally. Calls for attention.

MS QF, Kenta Nishimoto 23-25 14-11 HS Prannoy: Nishimoto wins a marathon rally and Prannoy is on his knees at the end. Seems like we might be heading for a decider.

MS QF, Kenta Nishimoto 23-25 11-9 HS Prannoy: Nishimoto just edges ahead after a really close start to game 2. 11-9 at the interval. Prannoy is coming into this match after two marathons, this is going to be a big physical test for him.

MS QF, Kenta Nishimoto 23-25 8-8 HS Prannoy: Every rally is a battle here. Prannoy levels it with a super net shot.

MS QF, Kenta Nishimoto 23-25 6-6 HS Prannoy: Some interesting line calls on both sides, the players getting a bit frustrated.

MS QF, Kenta Nishimoto 23-25 4-5 HS Prannoy: The second game has started where the first game ended. Both players pushing each other in almost every rally.

MS QF, Kenta Nishimoto 23-25 HS Prannoy: This is how the opening game panned out. Prannoy saved four game points, converted his third.

MS QF, Kenta Nishimoto 23-25 HS Prannoy: Backhand error from Nishimoto and Prannoy takes the opening game! Phew.

MS QF, Kenta Nishimoto 23-23 HS Prannoy: Brilliant rally, both players moving each other corner to corner and in the end Kenta with a winner at the net.

MS QF, Kenta Nishimoto 22-23 HS Prannoy: Prannoy saves another game point and now has one more of his own.

MS QF, Kenta Nishimoto 21-21 HS Prannoy: We go on. Prannoy sends a clear long.

MS QF, Kenta Nishimoto 20-21 HS Prannoy: Wow four straight points for Prannoy and now he has a game point.

MS QF, Kenta Nishimoto 20-18 HS Prannoy: Prannoy fighting hard to stay in this.

WS QF, PV Sindhu 21-16, 13-21, 22-20 Zhang Yi Man: SINDHU WINS! Zhang sends the shuttle wide and it is the trademark celebration on her knees from Sindhu.

WS QF, PV Sindhu 21-16, 13-21, 21-20 Zhang Yi Man: Service error from Zhang. Another match point Sindhu.

WS QF, PV Sindhu 21-16, 13-21, 20-20 Zhang Yi Man: WOW. Zhang has saved three match points. Great judgement at the back court.

WS QF, PV Sindhu 21-16, 13-21, 20-19 Zhang Yi Man: Super rally! Sindhu somehow stays in the point but when she was starting to dictate, the error comes.

WS QF, PV Sindhu 21-16, 13-21, 20-17 Zhang Yi Man: Sindhu with a brilliant crosscourt winner that leaves Zhang on the floor. The Chinese shuttler sends the shuttle wide and match points for Sindhu.

WS QF, PV Sindhu 21-16, 13-21, 18-17 Zhang Yi Man: Sindhu with a fist pump, lovely service return. Another big roar follows as Sindhu dives to get the shuttle back and Zhang sends it long.

WS QF, PV Sindhu 21-16, 13-21, 17-16 Zhang Yi Man: Super rally, and Zhang moves ahead now. And another warning from the umpire to Sindhu to keep play moving.

WS QF, PV Sindhu 21-16, 13-21, 15-16 Zhang Yi Man: Sindhu is also out of challenges.

MS QF, Kenta Nishimoto 12-11 HS Prannoy: Prannoy within a point now. Big roar from him.

WS QF, PV Sindhu 21-16, 13-21, 15-15 Zhang Yi Man: Sindhu level now and Zhang is out of challenges.

WS QF, PV Sindhu 21-16, 13-21, 13-15 Zhang Yi Man: Super crosscourt net shot by Zhang and she is in the lead. More good attacking work... Sindhu in trouble here.

WS QF, PV Sindhu 21-16, 13-21, 13-13 Zhang Yi Man: Sindhu trying to slow things down it seems and the umpire pulls her up. Zhang levels it again with a super crosscourt drop.

WS QF, PV Sindhu 21-16, 13-21, 13-12 Zhang Yi Man: Sindhu needed that, a gift from Zhang. Can she put together a run now?

WS QF, PV Sindhu 21-16, 13-21, 12-12 Zhang Yi Man: Sindhu coming under pressure more and more, we are all level here.

WS QF, PV Sindhu 21-16, 13-21, 12-10 Zhang Yi Man: Sindhu can’t afford to slip-up here. Zhang enjoyed the near side too and she is now closing in.

MS QF, Kenta Nishimoto 11-8 HS Prannoy: Prannoy trails by three at the interval.

WS QF, PV Sindhu 21-16, 13-21, 11-8 Zhang Yi Man: Sindhu’s judgement at the backcourt can be a bit frustrating but a few good leaves here and she has a good lead at the final challenge of ends.

MS QF, Kenta Nishimoto 9-5 HS Prannoy: Prannoy is trailing again by 4 now. Nishimoto is a tough player to attack against.

MS QF, Kenta Nishimoto 5-5 HS Prannoy: HSP levels things up after a slow start.

WS QF, PV Sindhu 21-16, 13-21, 8-5 Zhang Yi Man: Sindhu with a challenge and that is just plain cruel, for the margins! A millimeter in. Next point, Zhang challenges and she can’t be right all the time, evidently.

WS QF, PV Sindhu 21-16, 13-21, 7-4 Zhang Yi Man: Sindhu has Zhang floored again. The power in her attacks seem more lethal from the near side.

MS QF, Kenta Nishimoto 4-0 HS Prannoy: Nishimoto, mind you, is one of the form players of 2023.

WS QF, PV Sindhu 21-16, 13-21, 5-1 Zhang Yi Man: Sensational crosscourt drop from Sindhu.

WS QF, PV Sindhu 21-16, 13-21, 3-0 Zhang Yi Man: Sindhu off to a good start in the decider. We will keep an eye on the scores for the Prannoy match.

MS QF, Kenta Nishimoto vs HS Prannoy: Time for Prannoy vs Nishimoto, their previous two meetings coming in 2015 and 2019! Quite the time apart.

WS QF, PV Sindhu 21-16, 13-21 Zhang Yi Man: Sindhu saves three game points but Zhang levels the match soon after.

WS QF, PV Sindhu 21-16, 10-20 Zhang Yi Man: A bagful of game points for Zhang, meanwhile Prannoy’s match will now start on Court 2.

WS QF, PV Sindhu 21-16, 10-17 Zhang Yi Man: A lucky net cord for Sindhu and she closes the gap to five. Zhang then plays a superb point to get the serve back. Sindhu repeatedly troubled by the punch to her backhand side.

WS QF, PV Sindhu 21-16, 8-14 Zhang Yi Man: Point of the second game! Sindhu with a terrific rally, dictating tempo and closing it out with a crosscourt drop winner.

WS QF, PV Sindhu 21-16, 6-12 Zhang Yi Man: Zhang staying ahead, long way back for Sindhu. And wow, now Sindhu with a precise challenge! That’s a rarity.

WS QF, PV Sindhu 21-16, 4-11 Zhang Yi Man: Zhang gets a review wrong! But wins the next point and has a big lead at the interval.

WS QF, PV Sindhu 21-16, 3-10 Zhang Yi Man: Zhang has just run away with it here.

WS QF, PV Sindhu 21-16, 3-7 Zhang Yi Man: Now a wrong review by Sindhu. It ever was thus.

WS QF, PV Sindhu 21-16, 3-6 Zhang Yi Man: Not the cleanest of phase from both players. Errors either way. But Sindhu closes in now. Oh, what a challenge from Zhang!

Prannoy will be in action after this match.

WS QF, PV Sindhu 21-16, 2-2 Zhang Yi Man: Nice even start to the second game, good rallies.

WS QF, PV Sindhu 21-16 Zhang Yi Man: This is how game 1 unfolded.

WS QF, PV Sindhu 21-16 Zhang Yi Man: There’s the opening game for Sindhu. Great recovery from 0-5 down.

WS QF, PV Sindhu 20-16 Zhang Yi Man: That’s two terrific winners on the trot, Sindhu turns defence to offence with a fine round-the-head winner.

WS QF, PV Sindhu 19-16 Zhang Yi Man: Terrific smash from Sindhu down the line, and a) superbly placed b) at a critical time as Zhang was closing in and the gap was down to 2.

WS QF, PV Sindhu 15-13 Zhang Yi Man: Two really well constructed points by Zhang and she is closing in.

WS QF, PV Sindhu 14-11 Zhang Yi Man: Terrific net shot from Sindhu.

WS QF, PV Sindhu 12-11 Zhang Yi Man: There’s that sideways drift bringing the shuttle back in this time in Zhang’s favour.

WS QF, PV Sindhu 11-10 Zhang Yi Man: The Indian with the lead at the interval and the first roar of the day.

WS QF, PV Sindhu 10-10 Zhang Yi Man: There has been a sideways drift in the arena this week and it nearly brings the shuttle back into the lines but Sindhu’s leave is just good enough in the end says Hawkeye. Great rally that.

WS QF, PV Sindhu 9-10 Zhang Yi Man: Sindhu has Zhang on the floor again! Already some five-six times.

WS QF, PV Sindhu 8-10 Zhang Yi Man: Sindhu has not quite got her judgement of length right yet.

WS QF, PV Sindhu 8-9 Zhang Yi Man: Super rally and Sindhu on the charge there. Zhang under immense pressure and it pays in the end.

WS QF, PV Sindhu 4-7 Zhang Yi Man: Sindhu is into the contest now. Her crosscourt drop starting to click.

WS QF, PV Sindhu 1-5 Zhang Yi Man: And Sindhu gets on board with a patient rally.

WS QF, PV Sindhu 0-4 Zhang Yi Man: A strong start by Zhang. Off the blocks with some quickfire points.

Thankful for this match being a marathon. Prannoy’s match a bit delayed.

WS QF, PV Sindhu vs Zhang Yi Man: After the bronze in Huelva, Zhang didn’t have too much of success on the tour but she has played well this year. Has won the Thailand Masters title already in 2023.

WS: PV Sindhu vs Zhang Yi Man: Zhang (world No 18) is the 2021 World championships bronze medallist. She has won the last meeting between the two, at the All England earlier this year.

WS: PV Sindhu vs Zhang Yi Man: Here’s a quick look at the past meetings between the two.

Time for PV Sindhu.

Sindhu on Court 1 after this ongoing WS match. Prannoy on Court 2 a match after the current one.

MS QF, Christian Adinata 16-21, 21-16, 21-10 Srikanth Kidambi: Here’s how the third game unfolded.

MS QF, Christian Adinata 16-21, 21-16, 21-10 Srikanth Kidambi: Christian Adinata falls to the floor in joy as he beats Srikanth Kidambi with a fine comeback. Srikanth himself had pulled off a special one yesterday, really thought he was heading for a SF after game 1.

MS QF, Christian Adinata 16-21, 21-16, 20-10 Srikanth Kidambi: And 10 match points for the Indonesian.

MS QF, Christian Adinata 16-21, 21-16, 18-8 Srikanth Kidambi: Adinata is on fire.

MS QF, Christian Adinata 16-21, 21-16, 15-8 Srikanth Kidambi: Adinata is dictating tempo here. Not just a question of Srikanth’s errors anymore. He is struggling to stay in rallies.

MS QF, Christian Adinata 16-21, 21-16, 14-8 Srikanth Kidambi: A lucky break for Sri there, as Adinata misjudges. Next point, superb defensive effort by the Indonesian but Sri is alert at the net.

MS QF, Christian Adinata 16-21, 21-16, 14-6 Srikanth Kidambi: And a lucky net cord for Adinata. Yep, this is not Srikanth’s day.

MS QF, Christian Adinata 16-21, 21-16, 13-6 Srikanth Kidambi: Adinata with a super aggressive point and he closes it out too. Not looking good for Srikanth.

MS QF, Christian Adinata 16-21, 21-16, 11-6 Srikanth Kidambi: All he needs to do is cut down those errors and the rallies are quite even... and as I say that, a service error from Srikanth. Big lead for Adinata at the change of ends.

MS QF, Christian Adinata 16-21, 21-16, 10-3 Srikanth Kidambi: All of a sudden. Srikanth is struggling to buy a point. Adinata is dominating.

MS QF, Christian Adinata 16-21, 21-16, 7-3 Srikanth Kidambi: Errors from both sides really but it is Adinata who has started this game brighter. Trouble for Sri.

MS QF, Christian Adinata 16-21, 21-16, 3-3 Srikanth Kidambi: Errors from Adinate now.

MS QF, Christian Adinata 16-21, 21-16, 2-0 Srikanth Kidambi: as well as Adinata has played in this match so far, that second game end was all on Sri’s racket Can he recover? A super rally early on in game 3 and it goes the Indonesian’s way just on defence.

MS QF, Christian Adinata 16-21, 21-16 Srikanth Kidambi: Four game points for Adinata and he needs just one. That escalated quickly in the end there.

MS QF, Christian Adinata 16-21, 19-15 Srikanth Kidambi: The errors are flowing from Srikanth here.

MS QF, Christian Adinata 16-21, 18-15 Srikanth Kidambi: This is a handy lead at a hany point of the match for Adinata. Couple of untimely errors from Sri.

MS QF, Christian Adinata 16-21, 15-15 Srikanth Kidambi: Terrific point by Adinata and we are back level. This is anybody’s game at the moment.

MS QF, Christian Adinata 16-21, 14-15 Srikanth Kidambi: The Srikanth magic touch at the net. What an exchange, and the Indian clinches it. Of course, the next point is a wild error because, hey.

MS QF, Christian Adinata 16-21, 13-14 Srikanth Kidambi: The Indian is staying ahead for now just about.

MS QF, Christian Adinata 16-21, 10-11 Srikanth Kidambi: Srikanth trailed for pretty much the whole of the first half of game 2 but takes a 11-10 lead into the interval. Funny moment there as Adinata is starting to contest a line call but Srikanth vehemently points to the spot saying it is out and the Indonesian changes his mind.

MS QF, Christian Adinata 16-21, 10-10 Srikanth Kidambi: Nonchalant backhand defensive block winner from Srikanth and Adinata is floored.

MS QF, Christian Adinata 16-21, 10-9 Srikanth Kidambi: Not been the cleanest of games so far from either player. As I say that, the best point of Game 2 so far. And Srikanth clinches it.

MS QF, Christian Adinata 16-21, 8-7 Srikanth Kidambi: Some errors from Adinata now.

MS QF, Christian Adinata 16-21, 7-4 Srikanth Kidambi: Srikanth is yet to get going though from the near side. Hasn’t gotten his lengths right.

MS QF, Christian Adinata 16-21, 4-3 Srikanth Kidambi: Solid start to the 2nd game by Adinata who goes up 4-1. Oh, how has Srikanth done that. Indecision from him firstly but he picks the shuttle up late and sends a searing backhand crosscourt over. What a winner.

MS QF, Christian Adinata 16-21 Srikanth Kidambi: Srikanth under pressure defensively but the error comes from Adinata and the Indian takes the lead in this match. All signs point to an even more competitive second game though, let’s see.

MS QF, Christian Adinata 16-20 Srikanth Kidambi: Srikanth with four game points.

MS QF, Christian Adinata 15-19 Srikanth Kidambi: Srikanth wins another high-quality rally. Closing in on the lead.

MS QF, Christian Adinata 14-18 Srikanth Kidambi: Srikanth needed that point.

MS QF, Christian Adinata 14-17 Srikanth Kidambi: Sensational rally! Srikanth with all the attacking work early on, but Adinata keeps the shuttle in play. Then Srikanth with a dive, but the Indonesian is on hand to put the follow up away. Super run for the youngster.

MS QF, Christian Adinata 13-17 Srikanth Kidambi: Srikanth staying in the lead but starting to make a few more errors than he had so far.

MS QF, Christian Adinata 9-15 Srikanth Kidambi: The Indian’s radar is on point so far. Some fine angles with his smashes.

MS QF, Christian Adinata 7-11 Srikanth Kidambi: The 21-year-old won the SEA Games gold this year beating Chico Wardoyo and you can see why he is rated highly. Some gorgeous shot-making from him too so far, it’s been a fun contest.

MS QF, Christian Adinata 5-10 Srikanth Kidambi: Adinata is coming up with a good winner here and there but Srikanth has made the more consistent start. The Indian’s game has so far been quite clean. No warming up needed unlike his clash against Vitidsarn.

MS QF, Christian Adinata 3-6 Srikanth Kidambi: Couple of nice winners from Adinata early on but Srikanth is getting his foot into this match. Into a handy lead on a run of 5 straight points.

MS QF, Christian Adinata vs Srikanth Kidambi: First up, it’s world No 57 Adinata (qualifier) vs Srikanth. Here’s how the two shuttlers got to this point. (First meeting today).

Before we look ahead to today’s action, in case you missed it yesterday:

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of Indian badminton on BWF World Tour.

Today our attention is on Malaysia Masters, a Super 500 event on the World Tour. Quarterfinals action and there are three Indian matches to keep an eye on.

On Thursday, Srikanth Kidambi, PV Sindhu and HS Prannoy produced memorable wins in their respective round of 16 matches to make it this far.

Prannoy defeated All England champion Li Shi Feng of China with a superb come-from-behind victory by 13-21, 21-16, 21-11 in Round of 16. He will face Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto.

Sindhu got the better of Aya Ohori of Japan 21-16, 21-11 in 40 minutes to improve her Head-to-Head against the left-hander to 13-0. She will lock horns today against China’s Zhang Yi Man.

Srikanth got the better of world no. 5 Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand in straight games 21-19, 21-19 in Round of 16 match to join Prannoy and Sindhu in the quarterfinals on Thursday in Kuala Lumpur.

He will face Indonesia’s Christian Adinata.

India’s matches today:

MS: Christian Adinata vs Kidambi Srikanth

MS: Kenta Nishimoto vs HS Prannoy 

WS: PV Sindhu vs Zhang Yi Man

Screenshots in the blog via BWF TV / Tournament Software / Viacom18