Badminton
Kumamoto Masters Japan 2024: PV Sindhu advances, Lakshya Sen exits
Sindhu registered her record 19th win against Thailand's Ongbamrungphan in their 20th meeting on the BWF Circuit.
PV Sindhu put in a dominant display in the first round. (File Photo)
Indian shuttlers had a mixed outing in the first round of the Kumomata Masters with PV Sindhu registering an easy win at the BWF World Tour Super 500 Tournament in Kumomata, Japan on Wednesday.
On the other hand, Lakshya Sen bowed out after losing to a lower-ranked opponent.
Sindhu dominant
PV Sindhu sustained her massive head-to-head record against Thailand's Busanan Ongbamrungphan as she claimed her 19th victory in their 20th meeting on the BWF Circuit in the first round.
Sindhu posted a comfortable straight games (21-12, 21-8) victory against the Thai player to start her campaign in style.
Busanan started the game with a slight lead using her drop shots at the net but once Sindhu gained momentum and began controlling her aggressive shots, the Thai player had no answers to Sindhu's smashes.
In the second game, Sindhu began aggressively and won the game more comfortably.
In all, she lost just 20 points in the match, a clear display of dominance.
She will now take on Michelle Li of Canada in the second round tomorrow, marking their 15th meeting on the BWF Circuit.
Sindhu leads that head-to-head record 10-4.
Sen disappoints
On the other hand, Lakshya Sen had a disappointing defeat against Leong Jun Hao of Malaysia in a tight three-game (22-20, 17-21, 16-21) match despite taking the first game of the match.
Leong showcased a strong attacking play while Lakshya made many unforced errors in the match, ending his journey in the first round after losing the match against a lower-ranked opponent.
