India fielded a number of players in both men's and women's singles at Thailand Open, which started earlier this week. But only B Sai Praneeth made it to the final, and he showed great character in the title-decider against Jonatan Christie to lift the title on Sunday.
Praneeth came back from one game down to win the final in a tight three-game affair, 17-21, 21-18, 21-19.
The final was anyone's game as both players were eager to finish the competition on a high. Jonatan got off to a good start clinching the first game 21-17.
Praneeth, who had come into the final without dropping a game, had his task cut out. The Indian shuttler played a brilliant game pushing the opponent to his limits. Praneeth looked comfortable, and as the second game progressed, he gained more confidence.
There was an air of confidence in Praneeth's play as the Indian won the second set, 21-18 in a hard-fought contest.
With the final tied at 1-1 after the first two games, the match went into the deciding set. Jonatan took a 7-2 lead. But, Praneeth didn't give up and made it 9-9 in no time.
The momentum shifted to Praneeth's side who combined the offence and defence well to strengthen the lead to make it 16-14. Despite few nervy moments in the closing stages, Praneeth clinched the final game 21-19 to win the Thailand Open.
