World No.1 shuttler Lee lauds Prannoy

New Delhi, April 26 (IANS) H.S. Prannoy may have lost his men's singles quarterfinal of the India Open Friday but he gained the respect of World No.1 Lee Chong Wei, who lauded the Indian's performance.

After winning the match 21-14, 21-19, the top seeded Malaysian said Prannoy is a spirited fighter and one of India's upcoming talents.

"This is the first time I played him and he played very well. He is a spirited fighter. I think he is one of India's upcoming talents. In the second game Prannoy played very well to lead the game most of the time," said Lee.

Lee also lauded Indian shuttlers saying it is great for India to have seven quarter-finalists in the home tournament.

"I know Saina Nehwal lost yesterday but you had seven Indian players in the quarterfinals which I think is very good. This is possibly India's best outing in a Super Series tournament. Indian shuttlers are doing very well," said the 30-year-old, who earlier this month became a father.

Asked if the tournament was an easy outing for him, Lee said: "No match is easy because you always have to fight. I tried my best in today's match. I am not really playing my best as I did not prepare well for this tournament. You have to remember my son was born recently so I did not get any time to practice."