SURAT: H.S. Prannoy defeated Orijit Chaliha 21-11, 21-9 to highlight Kerala's 3-1 triumph over Assam in the National Games Mixed Team quarterfinals on Saturday. Prannoy had been away from the court for a month.

"The sense of being back on the court is pleasant. In the first week of September, I last competed in the Japan Open. After achieving some noteworthy victories this year, I took a lengthy sabbatical "As he reflected on his 26-minute victory, Prannoy said. "I wasn't moving as well as I would have liked to, but I've resumed my workouts. And, it is never easy to play a game after a long break." Prannoy, who just wed his longtime partner Swetha Thomas, claimed the contest with Orijit Chaliha was not difficult. The India star, who has supplanted Tokyo Olympic Games winner Viktor Axelsen (Denmark) at the top of the most recent men's singles BWF World Tour 2022 Ranking, said, "But going deeper into the competition, I will be receiving tougher matchups."

He has competed in 13 tournaments on the BWF World Tour this year, and he now holds the lead with 58,090 points.
Since helping India win their first Thomas Cup championship in May of this year, Prannoy has been in excellent form. His finest performance came when he advanced to the Swiss Open final, a BWF Super 300 competition. Additionally, he made it to the semifinals of the Indonesia Open and Malaysia Masters thrice.

"The World Tour Finals would be my main priority. Before it, there are a lot of tournaments. In those, I want to deliver successful outcomes. I must maintain consistency. Of course, I need to place in the top eight to pass," he said. "Prior to the World Tour Finals, I would like to settle into a good groove. I need to maintain my consistency despite being pleased with my performance over the past year." Although he is ranked first in the World Tour Ranking, his position in the men's singles world rankings is number 18. "I would like to place in the top 10, and the top five would be ideal since I'd have a better draw. Also, I need to improve my performance if I want to get through the semifinals. Now, that is my top priority" he said.

Women's Asia Cup: Shamima, Rumana Bangladesh make 9-wicket win over Thailand

India names 33 probables for Hockey Pro League season opener

ICC stakes money on Suryakumar, 4 others to win the Australian T20 World Cup