Unseeded Prannoy stuns former world no 1 Taufik Hidayat to enter India Open quarters

India's H S Prannoy caused the biggest upset of the Yonex Sunrise India Open Super Series, beating former world No. 1 Taufik Hidayat in straight sets to enter the third round of the men's singles event in New Delhi on Thursday.

P V Sindhu came from behind to win her second round women's singles match against Yu Sun of China 19-21 21-19 21-15. It took her an hour and eight minutes to down her Chinese opponent.

The day, however, belonged to Prannoy who surprisingly dominated proceedings, to beat his more fancied opponent 26-24 21-9 in 40 minutes.

Former Olympic champion Taufik Hidayat met his match on Thursday. Pic/AFP

It was not an ideal start for Prannoy as he was lagging behind in the opening game and was always playing catch-up. But the unseeded Indian managed to make it 16-16 and from there on it was a hard-fought battle against the experienced Indonesian.

It went on till 23-23 before the India won two points to seal the first game in his favour.

In the second game, the Indian never allowed Taufik to come close to him. Prannoy opened up a 10-3 lead and thereafter continued to move ahead. It was an easy job in the end.

"I had never ever imagined in my dreams that I would beat him," said an elated Prannoy.

This was the first time the two met.

The 20-year-old Keralite is likely to clash with World No.1 and top seed Lee Chong Wei, who will play later in the day, in the quarterfinals Friday.