Badminton
German Open 2022, Semifinals HIGHLIGHTS: Lakshya Sen defeats World No.1 Viktor Axelsen in dramatic fashion — Scores, Updates, Results
Lakshya Sen and Viktor Axelsen contested a battle of nerves in the semis of the German Open 2022 where the Indian badminton star made a superb comeback to win.
Lakshya Sen will clash against Viktor Axelsen in the finals of the All England Open 2022
Welcome to the live blog of The Bridge from the semi-finals of the German Open 2022!
Lakshya Sen made a confident start to the match and pocketed the first game in just 19 minutes, winning it 21-13. Soon, World No. 1 and reigning Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen notched things up in the second set and stole the lead to win the second set, 21-12.
However, the fireworks started to fly from the decider as both Sen and Axelsen really pushed each other before Lakshya made a stunning comeback in the fag end of the last game to win against Axelsen, 21-13, 12-21, 22-20.
By doing this, not only is Lakshya into the finals but has also recorded his biggest career victory to date by upsetting the World No. 1 player, for the first time.
Into the finals now and winning this match ridiculously but impressively, Lakshya will face off against Thai sensation Kunlavut Vitditsarn for the title.
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Live Updates
- 12 March 2022 3:52 PM GMT
Axelsen tries a body smash to get back on serve and he succeeds!
Axelsen is bringing the attack now and launches a body smash at Lakshya who obviously fails to return.
For now, Lakshya has a three-point cushion lead at 6-9.
- 12 March 2022 3:50 PM GMT
A return falls out again from Axelsen, Lakshya cannot be happier!
Lakshya is getting settled in here and remains calm in the points as Axelsen is making a few unusual errors here.
Lakshya leads 7-4 now.
- 12 March 2022 3:48 PM GMT
Brilliant change of pace from Lakshya now!
Deception and Lakshya are turning out to be bff's, people!
We see the same teasing of the opponent by bringing them to the net and then going in for the kill from Sen. Gorgeous attacks from Lakshya as he still commands the lead in this opening game.
Axelsen is panting right behind on the scoreboard though.
For now, Sen leads 6-3!
- 12 March 2022 3:46 PM GMT
Sen with the early grip as he flicks away the returns strategically!
Quick couple of points go to Lakshya Sen as he looks extremely composed.
Axelsen gets back on serve briefly but an error from the Dane gets Sen back on serve.
Lakshya Sen leads 4-1 now and is on serve!
- 12 March 2022 3:37 PM GMT
And it's almost time for Lakshya and Axelsen to take to the court!
No matter the head to head results, Lakshya is not to be underestimated today as he squares off against Viktor Axelsen.
While Lakshya saw off fellow Indian HS Prannoy in the quarters, Axelsen tamed a gritty Kidambi Srikanth in the quarters to book this date for a SENsational clash.
The winner of this match will have to take on Thai talent Kunlavut Viditsarn who defeated reigning All England Champ Lee Zii Jia in straight sets in the other semifinal.
- 12 March 2022 3:30 PM GMT
In case you didn't know...
Lakshya Sen was invited by Viktor Axelsen to his Dubai home for training with him during September 2021.
Speaking to The Bridge in an interaction during the India Open 2022, Lakshya recalled how memorable those two weeks were training with Axelsen and also having the likes of Loh Kean Yew, the current World Champion, also around.
READ | "I want to break into Top 10 by year-end," determines Lakshya Sen after India Open quarters win
- 12 March 2022 3:25 PM GMT
As far as their head to head matters, it doesn't look good for Sen on paper
Lakshya Sen is on a roll currently, having bagged bronze at the World Championships in December and followed by the India Open Super 500 crown in January 2022, therefore his form is not to be taken lightly.
The World No. 12 produced quite the show against Anthony Ginting in the quarter-finals here and therefore Axelsen cannot come into the match and expect things to go the same old way.
However, the Dane World No. 1 also has his ways and is definitely one of the bests in the game now. He has won all 4 encounters they have had in their careers, so far, without dropping a single set as well.
- 12 March 2022 3:18 PM GMT
A very nervous welcome from us as we prepare for a SENsational thriller coming up!
Good evening and welcome to Semi-finals day at the German Open 2022!
In just a few minutes, rising Indian badminton ace and World Championships bronze medallist Lakshya Sen will lock horns with World No. 1 and Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen for a place in the finals of the Super 300 event!
We cannot contain our excitement - except a LOT OF FIREWORKS, given the SENsational form they are both in!
