Paris Olympics 2024: Lakshya Sen falls short of reaching maiden final, to play for bronze
Paris Olympics 2024: Lakshya Sen loses badminton semis tie, to play for bronze Photograph:( AFP )
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Lakshya was on the top of his game in his maiden Olympic semis but fell shy of breaking through as the two-time medallist Axelsen proved too good for the Indian star.
Lakshya was on the top of his game in his maiden Olympic semis but fell shy of breaking through as the two-time medallist Axelsen proved too good for the Indian star.
Ace India shuttler Lakshya Sen lost the crunch semi-final clash against the defending champion Viktor Axelsen 22-20, 21-14 at the Paris Olympic Games 2024 on Sunday (August 4). Lakshya was on the top of his game in his maiden Olympic semis but fell shy of breaking through as the two-time medallist Axelsen proved too good for the Indian star.
Though Lakshya lost his chance to play in the final, he still has a bronze medal in his sights, for which he will take on Lee Zii Jia of Malaysia on Monday (August 5).
Lakshya looked at his brilliant best in parts against Axelsen in this marquee semis clash. Even though he was close to winning the first game, leading 20-17 at one stage, he crumbled under pressure, losing five points to let go of the first game 20-22.
Lakshya led the charge in the second game by leading Axelsen 7-0 before the world number two upped his game and made a stunning comeback, making it almost even around the half time. Though Lakshya looked like taking the second game away from the Danish shuttler, Axelsen kept his best for the last as he made light work of his opponent and won the game and the match.
Lakshya can still win a medal
The Indian shuttler remains in the fray for bronze as he continues his quest for an Olympic medal at the Paris Games. With millions of fans watching worldwide, Lakshya can redeem himself and walk out as the third-best men’s singles player at the Olympics 2024.
Meanwhile, Lakshya created history at this edition, becoming the first Indian male badminton player to reach the semis of the Olympics. Previously, Parupalli Kashyap and Kidambi Srikanth reached the quarters in London in 2012 and Rio in 2016, respectively.
On his road to the semis, Lakshya beat the reigning All England champion and world No. 4 Jonatan Christie in the group stage before beating his compatriot HS Prannoy in the round of 16.
In the quarter-final, Lakshya beat Chinese Taipei’s Chou Tien-chen in a tight contest.
(With inputs from agencies)
