We need to worry about lesser-known opponents at CWG: Prannoy

HS Prannoy is not worried about familiar foes such as three-time Olympic silver medallist Lee Chong Wei, and says it is the surprise element of the unheralded shutters, who could pose a bigger threat to his medal aspirations at next month's Commonwealth Games.

Set to make his CWG debut, Prannoy said he is in good shape but would not take any player lightly, especially the lesser-known ones.

"There are many players such as Rajiv Ouseph and Lee Chong Wei who have played in the past at CWG. But it is the others who we should be wary of. There are others who are actually good and can trouble you on certain days because you don't know how they play," Prannoy told PTI.

Last season, Prannoy made the transition from a rare talent to an emerging star when he outclassed two stalwarts former world no 1 Chong Wei and Olympic gold medallist and two-time world champion Chen Long of China in successive days to reach the semifinals at Indonesia Super Series.

His victories became part of the badminton folklore as he emerged as the first Indian to beat the Big Three Chong Wei, Chen Long and Lin Dan (2014 French Open).

His twin wins cleared the way for compatriot Kidambi Srikanth, who grabbed the opportunity and clinched the premier title his first among the four crowns that he won last season.

Prannoy continued his impressive run and stitched together consistent performances to reach the quarters and semifinals regularly.

He clinched the US Open Grand Prix Gold, before dispatching Chong Wei again at the Denmark Open, putting to rest all doubts about his prowess.

Despite being laid low by foot warts, Prannoy showed tremendous grit as he recovered quickly and dished out some sensational performances at the All England Championship last week, to reach his maiden quarterfinals.

"I didn't give much thought before the All England because I had started training after recovering from foot corns just a couple of weeks before the tournament," he said.

"But CWG should be good. I'm very happy to be in the CWG team. I have good time to prepare. In the next few days, I will put in more effort in training and be in better shape. I am looking for good six days of badminton."