Japan Open: Lakshya Sen enters semifinals; Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty pair bows out
First Published: 28th July, 2023 14:17 IST
The 2022 Commonwealth Champion Lakshya registered a straight-set 21-15 21-19 victory over Watanabe to make his third successive semifinals, following his exploits in Canada and the United States
India’s star shuttler Lakshya Sen extended his excellent run on Thursday, defeating local hope Koki Watanabe in straight games to enter the semifinals of the Japan Open Super 750 badminton competition in Tokyo.
The 2022 Commonwealth Champion Lakshya registered a straight-set 21-15 21-19 victory over Watanabe to make his third successive semifinals, following his exploits in Canada and the United States.
Sen, who won the Canada Open Super 500 earlier this month, jumped out to a 5-3 lead early on before closing to 11-7 at the break. The Indian had little trouble manoeuvring the Japanese and quickly sealed the opening game with two cross-court returns on both sides of the court.
Watanabe tried to infuse some energy into the rallies after switching sides, but Sen looked in command and moved to 3-2 with a stunning cross court drop. A 42-shot rally finished with Sen’s backhand falling into the net, giving Watanabe a 5-3 lead.
Sen, who trailed 7-14, staged a comeback, pulling his opponent to the net and making good use of drop shots. With a cross-court smash, he quickly turned the tables at 18-17. Sen secured one match point with two returns on his opponent’s backhand before producing another crisp return at the backhand line to clinch the match against his Japanese opponent.
Meanwhile, the Indian in-form men’s doubles duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty failed to bring their ‘A’ game into the match, falling 15-21 25-23 16-21 to Olympic winners Lee Yang and Wang Chi-Lan of Chinese Taipei.
Indian eighth seed HS Prannoy will be in action later in the day against World and Olympic badminton champion Viktor Axelsen. (ANI)
Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah fully fit, might play series against Ireland: BCCI secretary Jay Shah
COMMENTS
TOPMOST STORY NOW
Live Brother of BSF Jawan Deepak Chingakham Who Died in Cross-Border Firing by Pakistan in Jammu Appointed ASI in Manipur Police on Compassionate Grounds
11th July 2025
Live Maikhuli Villagers Protest MoU Over Assam-Meghalaya Border, Demand Return of Fishery
11th July 2025
Live Chhangur Baba Received Rs 500 Crore in Foreign Funds for Illegal Conversions: Anti-Terror Squad
11th July 2025
Live Taiwan Detects 9 Chinese Warships, 1 Aircraft Breaching ADIZ Amid Rising Tensions
11th July 2025
WE RECOMMEND
‘I got soundly punished’: Magnus Carlsen Praises D Gukesh After Another Defeat, Admits Struggling for Form
Following the defeat, Carlsen was uncharacteristically candid in his post-match interview, acknowledging Gukesh's brilliance.
04th July 2025
Mizo Judoka, Lalhumhimi Clinch Gold Medal at World Police Championship 2025 in USA, Brings Laurel to State and Country
Lalhumhimi emerged as the best among global competitors in her weight category
01st July 2025
Bhutan Defeats Bodoland XI in Thrilling International Women’s Football Friendly at Kokrajhar
The highlight of the competition was a friendly match between the Bhutan Senior National Women’s Team and the Bodoland XI (India).
30th June 2025
“Australia had ruined our…”: Rohit Sharma on iconic T20 WC 2024 win against 50-over champions
Team India registered a 24-run victory over the Australian side in the Super Eight of the competition on June 24.
27th June 2025
KL Rahul, Pant score classy tons to steer India to 298 at Tea against England
Pant scored 118 runs in the second innings, his second ton in the match, and consolidated the innings with a crucial 195-run partnership with KL Rahul
23rd June 2025