Having picked up his first title in six years at the Malaysia Masters in May, H.S Prannoy ended a longer wait by qualifying for the SATHIO GROUP Australian Open 2023 final.

It means the world No.9 gets to contest more than one title match in a season for the first time since 2014, when he won the India International Challenge and Indonesian Masters and came second at Vietnam GP Open.

“Very satisfying because it’s always tough to continuously play and beat top players,” said the 31-year-old Indian after brushing aside young compatriot Priyanshu Rajawat 21-18 21-12 in his first straight games win this week.

“The last two years have been good. I’ve been able to consistently pull through matches and that has given me a lot of confidence. Yes, this year has been special. I hope I can do something like I did in Malaysia.”

Three months ago in Kuala Lumpur, Prannoy emerged victorious against China’s Weng Hong Yang in their maiden encounter, six years on from winning his last title at the 2017 US Open.

Incidentally, Weng again provides opposition at the Sydney Olympic Park on finals day tomorrow, which will be dominated by Korean shuttlers featuring in three events – women’s singles as well as men’s and women’s doubles (see order of play).

“He’s beaten a lot of big names in the last six months, it’s not going to be easy,” Prannoy said of his 24-year-old rival. “But it’s the final, I will go all out.”

→ Results (Semifinals)

→ Order of play (Finals)

WHAT OTHERS SAID:

“I know it’s a process, it takes time. I have to be patient, no choice.” – Lee Zii Jia on building on his first semifinal in five months

“Before the match I was stressed because I had to change my flight. I’m in the final now so I’m pretty happy about it.” – Beiwen Zhang

“We are pleased our performances are picking up ahead of the (Hangzhou) Asian Games (in September). But we want to get better.” – Kim So Yeong