Laksya Sen continued on a comeback trail as he advanced to the semi-finals of the ongoing Thailand Open 2023, while compatriot Kiran George bowed out of the competition.
Sen made quick work of his opponent Malaysian shuttler Leong Jun Hao defeating him 21-19, 21-11 in 41 minutes at the Indoor Stadium Huamark in Bangkok. He will next face either China’s Lu Guang Zu or Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand in the semi-final.
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On the other hand, George's impressive run came to an end with a a 21-16, 21-17 defeat to French shuttler TJ Popov in the quarter-finals on Friday.
The win spells a comeback for Sen who had dropped down the Badminton World Federation (BWF) rankings after early exits in previous tournaments this season. His finish at the Thailand Open 2023 should see him jump up the standings from 23rd place.
Sen had enjoyed a breakout year in 2022, when he won the India Open, Commonwealth Games gold in men's singles, helped India to the historic Thomas Cup triumph and reached a career-high of No 6 in the BWF rankings. But bouts of illness this season has kept him from replicating that form.
Star Indian shuttlers and Olympic medalists PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal had bowed out early in the tournament.
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