Paris Olympics: Lakshya Sen stuns Jonatan Christie to enter pre-quarterfinals in males’s singles | Paris Olympics 2024 Information

NEW DELHI: India’s badminton star Lakshya Sen superior to the pre-quarterfinals of the Olympics males’s singles competitors on Wednesday with a straight-game win over Indonesia’s world quantity 4, Jonatan Christie. Sen, a 22-year-old and a 2021 world championships bronze medallist, showcased his tactical brilliance to defeat Christie 21-18, 21-12.
Sen’s victory in opposition to Christie is important as Christie held a 4-1 head-to-head benefit over him earlier than the competition.This win marks solely the second time Sen has managed to beat Christie, the primary being on the Badminton Asia Workforce Championships 4 years in the past.
Live Updates: Paris Olympics Day 5
Christie began robust, taking an early 5-0 lead and increasing it to 8-2. Sen rapidly tailored, concentrating on Christie’s weaker forehand and holding the shuttle flat. This technique allowed Sen to slim the hole to 7-8 and ultimately take the lead with a strong forehand smash.
Sen maintained the tempo, shifting forward to 14-12 with fast-paced exchanges. Christie tried to decelerate the sport with a protracted rally, leveling at 16-16. Nevertheless, Sen’s straight smash and a large shot from Christie helped him tie at 18-18. He then secured the sport level with a flat push and a behind-the-back return, changing it to take the primary recreation.

Switching sides for the second recreation, Sen initially made some errors, tying at 3-3. He rapidly regained management, leveraging his pushes and smashes, and constructed a 10-5 lead. Christie’s errors in desperation allowed Sen to increase the result in 18-12. A collection of errors from Christie and a protracted shot concluded the match, sealing Sen’s well-deserved victory.

“I centered on holding the shuttle flat and concentrating on his weaker forehand. It was necessary to remain calm and anticipate him to make errors,” Sen was quoted as saying by PTI, reflecting on his efficient technique and composure in the course of the match.

Sen’s subsequent problem within the pre-quarterfinals is prone to be in opposition to compatriot HS Prannoy, who is about to face Vietnam’s Le Duc Phat in an upcoming match.
Sen’s journey within the Olympics has included a win over Tokyo Olympics semifinalist Kevin Cordon, which was later voided as a result of Cordon’s withdrawal due to an harm. Moreover, he secured a victory over Julien Carraggi of Belgium earlier than dealing with Christie.
This Olympic milestone provides to Sen’s achievements, together with his gold medal on the 2022 Commonwealth Video games. Sen’s ongoing marketing campaign within the Olympics continues to encourage Indian badminton fanatics, reflecting his resilience, talent, and tactical acumen on the worldwide stage.