Lakshya Sen, representing India, secured a spot in the men’s singles round of 16 at the Paris Olympics on Wednesday with a convincing victory over Indonesian shuttler Jonatan Christie. The match was a thrilling encounter, showcasing the skill and determination of both players.
Sen faced a challenging start, trailing 0-5 in the opening game. However, he quickly recovered, launching a series of powerful points to level the score at 8-8. Sen continued his momentum, taking an 11-9 lead, only to see Christie fight back and gain an 18-16 advantage. But Sen displayed remarkable resilience, claiming five consecutive points to clinch the first game 21-18.
The second game was a more one-sided affair, with Sen dominating from the outset. He stormed to an 11-6 lead and maintained his control, ultimately closing the game with a comfortable 21-12 win.
This victory sets up an exciting possibility for Sen – a potential clash with fellow Indian H.S. Prannoy in the first knockout round. However, Prannoy needs to win his final group stage match to secure a spot in the knockout stage.
Earlier in the day, P.V. Sindhu, another prominent Indian badminton player, secured her place in the women’s singles knockouts. With both Sen and Sindhu advancing, India’s badminton contingent is poised to make a strong impact at the Paris Olympics.
