All England Open: Lakshya Sen stuns World No 1 Shi Yu Qi – HIGHLIGHTS
Treesa Jolly-Gayatri Gopichand in action
The women's doubles pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand, who have reached the semi-finals of All England Open Super 1000 twice, are the next Indians in action on the opening day.
Treesa-Gayatri are up against Japan's Sayaka Hirota and Ayako Sakuramoto.
LAKSHYA SEN WINSSS!
One match point is all Shi Yu Qi could save tonight. He struggled with his lifts all through out and it is that particular shot which brings his downfall. Lifts from the net, but it lands long.
Lakshya Sen turns to his coach, who has a wide smile on his face, and gives him a hug. Doesn't overdo the celebration and runs to acknowledge Shi at the net before acknowledging the crowd.
It took him 78 minutes today and nearly three years in total to break past Shi Yu Qi, but he has done it at one of the biggest tournaments.
Sen wins 23-21, 19-21, 21-18!
Shi saves first match point
Shi Yu Qi saves the first match point, with a brilliant shot onto Sen's body. Sen leads 20-17.
4 MATCH POINTS!
An error at the net from Shi Yu Qi and Lakshya Sen has four match points!
Lakshya keeps at it
Shi Yu Qi wins three points in a row, but Lakshya has pulled two points back of his own. The latter with a brilliant down-the-line smash. The Indian leads 18-14.
Lakshya with a five-point advantage
There seems to be no drop in intensity from Sen at this moment, while Shi Yu Qi looks tired. Top class fitness on display from Sen as he opens up a five-point lead at 16-11.
Sen with the advantage
Lakshya Sen ekes out a slender 11-9 lead in the decider. Expect Shi Yu Qi to hit back harder after the change of ends.
We are in for an exciting finish!
Intense battle
Neither players willing to give the other even the slightest of chances. They are matching each other shot-for-shot. 6-6 in the decider. Thrilling badminton!
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