Indian badminton star Lakshya Sen bowed out of the Arctic Open 2024 after a tough 1-2 defeat against Chinese Taipei’s Chou Tien-chen in the Round of 16 match held in Vantaa, Finland, on Thursday. Despite a strong start, winning the first game 21-19, Lakshya was unable to maintain momentum, losing the next two games 18-21, 15-21.
Lakshya had entered the second round after his first-round opponent, Rasmus Gemke of Denmark, gave a walkover. However, the defeat against Chou ended his campaign in Finland.
Compatriot Kiran George also suffered a defeat in the Round of 16, falling to World No. 5 Jonatan Christie of Indonesia. George lost 17-21, 8-21, marking the end of his promising run after an impressive victory against World No. 25 Wang Tzu-wei of Chinese Taipei in the first round. George had battled past Wang in a hard-fought 23-21, 21-18 win that lasted 53 minutes.
The women’s singles saw a disappointing day for India as all three Indian players crashed out in the second round. Malvika Bansod lost 15-21, 8-21 to Thailand’s Ratchanok Intanon, while Unnati Hooda was narrowly defeated 10-21, 19-21 by Canada’s Michelle Li. Aakarshi Kashyap also fell short, losing 9-21, 8-21 to China’s Han Yue.
In mixed doubles, India’s Sathish Karunakaran and Aadya Variyath were defeated 12-21, 15-21 by China’s Cheng Xing and Zhang Chi, adding to the Indian contingent’s challenges at the tournament.
The women’s doubles pair of Rutaparna Panda and Swetaparna Panda also ended their campaign after a 8-21, 10-21 loss to China’s Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning, marking the end of India’s run at the Arctic Open 2024.
The tournament saw a tough outing for Indian shuttlers, with many falling short in crucial rounds against higher-ranked opponents. Despite the losses, players like Lakshya Sen and Kiran George continue to gain valuable experience as they aim for stronger performances in future competitions.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Jose Molina has revealed that the goal is to… Read More
India’s head coach Manolo Marquez is fully focused on the international friendly against Malaysia. The… Read More
Paris Saint Germain left-back Nuno Mendes has wished incoming Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim all… Read More
Gujarat Titans have named Parthiv Patel as the assistant and batting coach. Patel will join… Read More
Former Indian wicket-keeper bat Parthiv Patel showered praise on India’s pacer Arshdeep Singh, stating the… Read More
Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar has urged India to take one Test match at a… Read More