Lakshya Sen advanced to the Paris Olympics 2024 pre-quarterfinals with a stunning victory over Jonatan Christie, setting up a potential all-Indian Round of 16 clash with HS Prannoy.
New Delhi: Lakshya Sen achieved the unthinkable by stunning higher-ranked Jonatan Christie of Indonesia with a 21-18, 21-12 straight-sets victory, advancing to the pre-quarterfinals of the men’s singles badminton event at the Paris Olympics 2024. The Indian star delivered a remarkable shot that could be immortalized in badminton folklore. Locked in a fierce rally against Christie’s relentless defense, Sen found himself in an awkward stance as the shuttlecock flew back and forth, both players engaged in an intense battle of endurance.
It was then when the marvelous moment was produced by Lakshya. As the shuttle hurtled towards him, Sen displayed his tremendous wrist work and executed a behind-the-back shot that left Christie stunned. The shot was executed with such precision that it left Christie off guard.
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Trailing 0-4 in the first game, Sen made a brilliant comeback to win the set 21-18. In the second, the All England champion couldn’t match Sen’s pace, as the Indian took a six-point lead at one point and ultimately won the game 21-12.
Meanwhile, the Round of 16 could feature an all-Indian showdown, as Sen is likely to face HS Prannoy next, provided Prannoy wins his upcoming match against Vietnam’s Le Duc Phat. Prannoy, having already won his first match, needs just one more victory to secure his spot in the last 16. Sen, a gold medallist at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, had previously defeated Julien Carraggi of Belgium before his stunning win over Jonatan Christie.