Lakshya Sen has advanced to the semifinals of the BWF World Badminton Championships, becoming the youngest Indian to do so. In Huelva, Spain, on Friday, the 20-year-old defeated Zhao Jun Peng of China 21-15, 15-21, 22-20 in the quarterfinals. Sen will face fellow Indian star Kidambi Srikanth after the win, ensuring India a medal at the World Championships.
In a tremendous one-hour and seven-minute battle on court 2, the Indian defeated the Chinese shuttler 21-15, 15-21, 22-20. The 20-year-victory old’s ensured India’s second medal at the 2021 BWF World Championships, as well as his first medal at the event. Sen will now compete for a spot in the final against Srikanth Kidambi. As a result, India will return from Spain with at least one silver medal.
Lakshya Sen’s- Match Highlights
After falling behind at the first break, the Indian world No. 19 dominated after the resumption and had some outstanding court presence to take a game from the Chinese shuttler.
The Chinese world No. 42 then picked up his game in the second game, coming out with all guns blazing. Zhao Jun Peng was able to limit Sen’s offensive attempts, forcing the match to a decider.
The third game was almost entirely one-sided, as the shuttle alternated between both players’ racquets. Although Zhao Jun Peng led the Indians 11-8 at the halftime break, Lakshya clawed his way back to tie the game 11-11 in the final game.
Moving to the Next Match
The Indian saved a match point with the game tied at 19-20 and went on to win the match by keeping his cool.
Kidambi Srikanth had earlier defeated Mark Caljouw to get to the Championships semi-finals. In a match that lasted only 26 minutes, the former world number one Indian defeated the Dutch shuttler 21-8, 21-7. The youngster will now face Kidambi Srikanth, a seasoned opponent.
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