Japan Open 2023 HIGHLIGHTS: Lakshya Sen loses a three-setter to Jonatan Christie in semifinal

Game 1: Christie extends lead

Smash from Christie and Lakshya stretches, but in vain. Christie leads 18-13.

Game 1: Point for Lakshya

After Christie takes the last five points, Lakshya breaks his streak with a point as the Indonesia's return goes wide. 

But no respite for Lakshya, Christie wins another point to extend the lead to 17-13.

Game 1: Christie controls the proceedings

With great defence, fine control at the net and the ability to win points from flat returns, Christie is winning points. He extends the lead to 15-12.

Close fight in Game 1

Lakshya is letting the slip from his hand. Christie wins four back-to-back points. He now leads the game 14-12.

Game 1: Christie wins rally

Fighting rally between Lakshya and Christie. Interesting exchange at the net and a few tosses, letting Christie go for a body smash. 

Christie draws another for showing agility at the net. Again, he wins a point for targeting Lakshya's face. It is 11-all.

Game 1: Lakshya leads at interval

Christie equals the game twice in this match. First at 7-7, and then at 9-9. Both players got their a few shots wide.

But Lakshya takes the lead at the interval for showing better judgement. He draws the last point for letting Christie's smash go wide. 

Lakshya and Christie take the court

Lakshya and Christie are in court now. Action to begin shortly.

Lakshya will be in action soon

Lakshya and Christie will be in action soon in the second semifinal of Japan Open 2023. Stay tuned for more updates.

In the other semifinal, Viktor Axelsen will negotiate the challenge from Japanese sensation Kodai Naraoka, the world no. 4.

Titles won by Lakshya and Christie in 2023

Lakshya: Canada Open Super 500

Christie: Indonesia Masters Super 500

Christie so far

Christie beat the following players on his way to the semifinals:

Cheam June Wei 21-7, 21-9

Weng Hong Yang 21-15, 21-14

Kunlavut Vitidsarn 21-16, 21-16