“IT’S A SECRET”
Prannoy, who stunned Momota in the second round, now faces the world number 23 Zhao in the quarter-finals.
Shi was returning from a 10-month ban from the Chinese Badminton Association for making “inappropriate comments” following a 2021 match where he withdrew on match point.
Indonesian Anthony Sinisuka Ginting nipped his comeback in the bud with a 21-11, 13-21, 21-18 win, and the number six seed’s reward was a quarter-final match-up against Axelsen.
“Today was not an easy game and tomorrow’s will be more tough, so I will do my very best and enjoy it,” said Ginting, who was cheered on by a small but vocal group of Indonesian fans.
“Of course (Axelsen) has weak points, but it’s a secret for me.”
Axelsen has not dropped a game so far in Tokyo, but he needed several attempts to finish Thammasin off when he had him on the ropes.
The Dane is looking to be more ruthless against Ginting and said he would “have to be 120 per cent ready”.
“I have to play better than I have done so far,” said the top-ranked Axelsen.
“It’s always my goal to do so.”
Defending champion Loh Kean Yew also reached the quarter-finals after opponent Angus Ng of Hong Kong withdrew during the second game.
On the women’s side, defending champion and number one seed Akane Yamaguchi made short work of Japanese compatriot Sayaka Takahashi in a 21-18, 21-7 win.
Yamaguchi will next face former world number one Carolina Marin after the Spaniard fended off four match points to beat China’s He Bingjiao 16-21, 21-15, 22-20.
“To be away for more than one year, not playing these kinds of games against top players, sometimes your confidence is not really high,” said Marin, who only returned from a serious knee injury in May.
“But today, to get this victory gives me some confidence for sure.”
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