SHENZHEN, (Economy India): India’s Lakshya Sen suffered another disappointing early exit from the China Masters on Wednesday, losing to Canada’s Victor Lai in straight games, while experienced shuttler Kidambi Srikanth advanced to the next round.
Lakshya, the 2021 World Championships bronze medallist, struggled to find his rhythm against world No. 9 Lai and went down 14-21, 7-21 in 38 minutes. The Indian produced an error-filled performance and was unable to cope with the Canadian’s strong defence and consistent rallies.
The defeat was Lakshya’s third loss to Lai, with the Canadian now holding the advantage in their recent meetings. Lakshya’s only victory against Lai came in the All England Championships in March this year, when he won a closely fought three-game encounter.
Lakshya Struggles Against Lai
Lakshya made a promising start to the opening game, taking an early 4-0 lead, but Lai quickly settled down and began controlling the rallies. The Canadian’s resolute defence frustrated Lakshya, who gradually started making unforced errors.
Lai repeatedly forced Lakshya into difficult shots and capitalised on mistakes, particularly around the backhand side. The Canadian eventually took the opening game 21-14.
The second game proved even more difficult for Lakshya. Lai maintained his intensity and opened up a substantial lead after the change of ends. Lakshya trailed 4-11 and could not find a way back into the contest.
Lai continued to absorb Lakshya’s attacks before forcing further errors, eventually winning the second game 21-7 to seal a comfortable straight-games victory.
The result adds to a difficult period for Lakshya, who had also suffered an early exit from the World Championships held in India last month. His latest defeat means he will now have to regroup ahead of his upcoming international assignments.
Srikanth Keeps India’s Hopes Alive
There was better news for India as Kidambi Srikanth advanced to the next round of the men’s singles competition.
The 2021 World Championships silver medallist defeated Chinese Taipei’s Chi Yu Jen 21-16, 21-15 in his opening match. Srikanth looked composed during the contest and controlled the rallies effectively to secure a straight-games victory.
Srikanth’s progress provides India with an important singles presence in the tournament after Lakshya’s departure. The experienced shuttler will now look to build on his positive start as he continues his campaign in Shenzhen.
More Indian Players in Action
India also received success in mixed doubles, with Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto progressing to the next round after defeating Thailand’s Tonnakorn Saeheng and Tonnicha Saeheng 21-8, 21-9.
Other Indian players, including Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, Tanvi Sharma and Devika Sihag, were also scheduled to compete in their respective events.
While Lakshya Sen’s early departure is a setback for India’s men’s singles campaign, Srikanth’s victory keeps India’s hopes alive at the China Masters. The tournament will now provide the Indian contingent with another opportunity to challenge some of the world’s leading badminton players.
(Economy India)
