<p>India's B Sai Praneeth suffered a demoralising straight-game defeat against lower-ranked Misha Zilberman from Israel in Group D men's singles, making a disappointing start to his maiden Olympic campaign on Saturday.</p>.<p>Praneeth, a 2019 World Championship bronze medallist and now ranked 15th, was too erratic as he lost 17-21 15-21 to world number 47 Zilberman in a 41-minute match.</p>.<p>The 13th seeded Indian will next face world number 29 Mark Caljouw of the Netherlands.</p>.<p><strong><a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-live-Tokyo2020-Olympics-TokyoOlympics-Japan-Covid19-coronavirus-Tokyo-Tokyogames-Japanolympics-1012254.html" target="_blank">Get live news updates from Tokyo Games on DH</a></strong></p>.<p>In the opening game, Praneeth raced to a 8-4 lead early on but soon Zilberman reeled off five straight points to turn the table as the Indian committed a series of unforced errors.</p>.<p>The Indian entered the break with a one-point advantage after Zilberman made an error.</p>.<p>Praneeth lacked in his execution, which allowed Zilberman to lead 15-13. The Israeli shuttler dominated the proceedings next to zoom to a 19-14 as the Indian miscued a few shots.</p>.<p>A cross court smash helped Zilberman to grab six game points and he sealed it on fourth attempt.</p>.<p>A fired-up Zilberman continued to look good with Praneeth sending the first two shuttles long. The Israeli soon led 8-5.</p>.<p><strong><a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/olympics-glittering-gold-distracts-from-tokyo-woes-1012293.html" target="_blank">Read | Olympics: Glittering gold distracts from Tokyo woes</a></strong></p>.<p>Zilberman continued to dictate terms in the rallies as Praneeth lagged 7-11 at the interval.</p>.<p>Praneeth couldn't match the pace of his opponent, who seemed to be playing at a different level.</p>.<p>Zilberman eventually grabbed 8 match points after Praneeth went long again and sealed the opening match with a smash.</p>
<p>India's B Sai Praneeth suffered a demoralising straight-game defeat against lower-ranked Misha Zilberman from Israel in Group D men's singles, making a disappointing start to his maiden Olympic campaign on Saturday.</p>.<p>Praneeth, a 2019 World Championship bronze medallist and now ranked 15th, was too erratic as he lost 17-21 15-21 to world number 47 Zilberman in a 41-minute match.</p>.<p>The 13th seeded Indian will next face world number 29 Mark Caljouw of the Netherlands.</p>.<p><strong><a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-live-Tokyo2020-Olympics-TokyoOlympics-Japan-Covid19-coronavirus-Tokyo-Tokyogames-Japanolympics-1012254.html" target="_blank">Get live news updates from Tokyo Games on DH</a></strong></p>.<p>In the opening game, Praneeth raced to a 8-4 lead early on but soon Zilberman reeled off five straight points to turn the table as the Indian committed a series of unforced errors.</p>.<p>The Indian entered the break with a one-point advantage after Zilberman made an error.</p>.<p>Praneeth lacked in his execution, which allowed Zilberman to lead 15-13. The Israeli shuttler dominated the proceedings next to zoom to a 19-14 as the Indian miscued a few shots.</p>.<p>A cross court smash helped Zilberman to grab six game points and he sealed it on fourth attempt.</p>.<p>A fired-up Zilberman continued to look good with Praneeth sending the first two shuttles long. The Israeli soon led 8-5.</p>.<p><strong><a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/olympics-glittering-gold-distracts-from-tokyo-woes-1012293.html" target="_blank">Read | Olympics: Glittering gold distracts from Tokyo woes</a></strong></p>.<p>Zilberman continued to dictate terms in the rallies as Praneeth lagged 7-11 at the interval.</p>.<p>Praneeth couldn't match the pace of his opponent, who seemed to be playing at a different level.</p>.<p>Zilberman eventually grabbed 8 match points after Praneeth went long again and sealed the opening match with a smash.</p>