The 32-year-old Kerala shuttler, a 2022 Thomas Cup title winner and a world and Asian Games bronze-medallist, has battled past a chronic stomach disorder, a nagging back injury, and more recently a week-long bout of the mosquito-borne viral disease.

Prannoy, seeded fifth and a former world No.1, dominated the match, defeating Zilberman 21-17, 21-15 in just 46 minutes.