India’s Lakshya Sen produced a gritty performance to overcome China’s Shi Yu Qi in a tense three-game encounter, displaying resilience and composure in a match filled with momentum swings and intense rallies.
The contest began dramatically as Lakshya initially looked in control, racing to strong leads of 18-12 and 19-16 in the opening game. However, Shi mounted a remarkable comeback, saving multiple game points and leveling the score at 20-20. The Chinese shuttler continued to push, forcing the game into a 21-all deadlock. Under pressure, Lakshya held his nerve and clinched the opener with a sharp cross-court smash after earning yet another opportunity.
Shi responded strongly in the second game and carried a slender advantage into the mid-game interval. Both players engaged in grueling rallies that tested their endurance, with the match turning into a fierce physical battle. Every point became hard-fought as the two shuttlers traded powerful shots and precise placements.
At one stage, Lakshya found himself trailing 13-19 and appeared to be on the brink of conceding the game. But the Indian shuttler showed fighting spirit, stringing together points to narrow the deficit to 18-19. Shi, however, halted the comeback with a powerful body smash that earned him game point before he sealed the game 21-19, forcing the match into a deciding game.
Lakshya’s performance throughout the match stood out for more than just his attacking power. His disciplined defense and clever net play repeatedly forced Shi to attempt riskier shots close to the lines as the Indian retrieved shuttle after shuttle.
The deciding game began evenly, with both players locked at 6-6. Lakshya gradually gained the upper hand and entered the final interval with a slim 11-9 lead. After the break, he elevated his game further, striking a series of winners that extended his advantage.
Shi briefly kept his hopes alive after a successful video referral, but Lakshya remained calm in the closing stages. The Indian soon earned match points and wrapped up the contest when Shi sent a shot long.
Elsewhere, it was a mixed day for Indian players. Malvika Bansod suffered an 11-21, 6-21 defeat to China’s Chen Yu Fei, while Unnati Hooda lost 12-21, 18-21 to Thailand’s Pornpawee Chochuwong. The women’s doubles pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand also bowed out after a 15-21, 21-15, 18-21 loss to Japan’s Ayako Sakuramato and Sayaka Hirota.
There was success in mixed doubles, however, as Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto secured a solid 21-17, 21-19 victory over Malaysia’s Hoo Pang Ron and Cheng Su Yin.
