A historic moment – Singapore’s #22, Loh Kean Yew, roared his victory into the Badminton World Federation Championships when he bested Indian #32 Prannoy H. S. 21‑14, 21‑12 in the quarter‑final in Huelva, Spain.
Silver linings – By moving past Prannoy, Loh has secured at least a shared bronze medal and will now face Denmark’s #3 Anders Antonsen in the semi‑final on Saturday.
Game‑by‑game recap
First set: Loh blasted off with his explosive trademark, pulling out a 3‑0 lead against two of Prannoy’s smashes, then smashed through a 36‑shot rally.
Mid‑game stumble: Prannoy clung to 11‑10 before Loh kicked it up a notch.
Second set: Still 8‑8, but Loh launched a storming finish to claim the set 6‑4 and the match.
October‑to‑January strength
Loh has surged from #43 to the top 20 in just eight weeks.
He’s bagged the Dutch Open & Hylo Open titles, and defeated top‑tier players such as Kento Momota (Japan), Lee Zii Jia (Malaysia), and Chou Tien‑chen (Chinese Taipei).
Championship path
Opened with a stunning 14‑21, 21‑9, 21‑6 upset over Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen.
Aked past Austria’s #93 Luka Wraber 21‑4, 21‑8.
Broke through Thailand’s #20 Kantaphon Wangcharoen 21‑4, 21‑7 ahead of Prannoy.
Future outlook
Antonsen is new territory for Loh, but history shows the 29‑year‑old can handle any challenge.
Regardless of the next match, Loh’s campaign is already a record‑setting chapter in Singaporean sports.
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