Badminton
Japan Open 2023 HIGHLIGHTS: Lakshya Sen loses a three-setter to Jonatan Christie in semifinal
Catch highlights of the Japan Open Super 750 semifinal between Lakshya Sen and Jonatan Christie.
Lakshya Sen is chasing his second BWF World Tour title in 2023. (Photo credit: BAI)
Lakshya Sen went down fighting to world no. 9 Jonatan Christie in the semifinal of the Japan Open Super 750 at the Yoyogi National Gymnasium, Tokyo, on Saturday.
Christie, the Indonesia Masters winner, won the match 21-15, 13-21, 21-16. He will face the winner of the second semifinal between Viktor Axelsen and Kodai Naraoka in the summit clash.
This was Lakshya's second straight defeat to Christie in 2023. He also lost to him in the quarterfinals of the Indonesia Masters.
With Lakshya's departure, India's campaign at the Japan Open 2023 ended.
On Friday, HS Prannoy in men's singles and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty in doubles lost their respective quarterfinal matches on Friday.
Live Updates
- 29 July 2023 6:07 AM GMT
Game 3: Christie finishes a rally
Fantastic rally! Christie wins it. He sends a half smash at the edge of Lakshya's court and takes the lead to 7-6.
- 29 July 2023 6:07 AM GMT
Game 3: Neck to beck battle
It is 6-6 in the decider. Lakshya let Christie shot go wide and levels the game.
- 29 July 2023 6:05 AM GMT
Game 3: Lakshya levels with magnificent return
What an enchanting return from Lakshya! Christie effects a hard flick, but Lakshya pushes a return to earn a point. He levels the game 3-3.
- 29 July 2023 6:03 AM GMT
Game 3: Christie wins rally, takes lead
Christie wins a magnificent rally with a smash. He extends the lead to 3-1.
- 29 July 2023 5:59 AM GMT
Lakshya forces decider
Lakshya, being the better player, wins the second game 21-13. Better defence, intent to control the net and booming smashes - these are Lakshya's strengths in the second game.
- 29 July 2023 5:58 AM GMT
Game 2: Lakshya extends lead
Christie sends a toss, and Lakshya makes no mistake. He sends down a mighty smash and wins a point. He is now on game point.
Christie replies with a point. Lakshya assumes the shot is going wide. He changes his mind at the last moment. He returns the shuttle, and Christie sends a booming flick. It is 13-20.
- 29 July 2023 5:56 AM GMT
Game 2: Change of shuttle
Both players agree to change the shuttle. And Lakshya gets the first point from the new shuttle.
But Christie deploys a strategy to play Lakshya on the edge of the court. He is hoping to get Lakshya wide, and he is successful. It is 12-17 now.
- 29 July 2023 5:54 AM GMT
Game 2: Lakshya replies with a smash
Point for Lakshya. He sends down a flat smash. Christie gets it wrong; he tries to move in his right, but the shot lands in his left. Lakshya extends lead to 16-11.
- 29 July 2023 5:53 AM GMT
Game 2: Point for Christie
Christie reduces the gap to 11-15. Lakshya's shot goes wide.
- 29 July 2023 5:52 AM GMT
Game 2: Superb return from Lakshya
Lakshya earns a point for his durable defence. Christie targets Lakshya's face, but in vain as the Indian flicks to win a point.
Christie is trying to make a comeback. He wins two quick points. It is 10-14 now.
