Tokyo, Japan: Indian badminton sensation Lakshya Sen’s commendable run in the Japan Open 2023 came to an end after a gripping men’s singles semifinal match on Saturday. The 13th-ranked player in the badminton world faced a tough battle against world No. 9 Jonatan Christie of Indonesia at the prestigious Yoyogi National Gymnasium in Tokyo during the BWF Super 750 tournament.
In an intense encounter that kept spectators on the edge of their seats, Lakshya Sen displayed incredible skill and determination throughout the 68-minute contest. However, it was Jonatan Christie’s brilliance that ultimately secured his victory, as he clinched the match with a final scoreline of 15-21, 21-13, and 16-21.
The opening game saw both players engage in rapid and agile rallies, with Lakshya Sen holding a slight two-point advantage as they headed into the first break. But Christie, the fifth seed, swiftly upped his game after the restart, dominating the court and comfortably securing the first game.
In the second game, Lakshya Sen adjusted his approach, engaging Christie in more extended rallies and seeking to capitalise on any errors from the Indonesian player. His strategic shift paid off, and Lakshya led the game from start to finish, successfully taking the match into a decider.
The third game began on an even footing, but at 6-6, Jonatan Christie broke away and maintained his advantage to emerge victorious in the thrilling encounter. This marked the second defeat for Lakshya Sen in his three head-to-head meetings with the Indonesian player.
Despite Lakshya Sen’s valiant efforts, his loss also marked the end of India’s challenge at the Japan Open. The tournament saw India’s top contenders, including PV Sindhu and HS Prannoy, face early exits in their respective categories.
While Lakshya Sen’s journey in the Japan Open may have concluded, Indian badminton enthusiasts can look forward to more action-packed tournaments. The Australian Open, scheduled to commence next week, presents another opportunity for Indian players to showcase their talent and pursue glory on the international badminton stage.
Comments