Indians at Japan Open 2023: Last Indian hope Lakshya Sen falls to Jonatan Christie in semifinal

Rahul Iyer

Indians at Japan Open 2023: Last Indian hope Lakshya Sen falls to Jonatan Christie in semifinal image

The 2023 Japan Open began on 25 July at the Yoyogi National Gymnasium in Tokyo. A total of 16 Indian players across the six categories are participating in the tournament, which will run until 30 July.

On day five, only one Indian player remained from the 16 who participated in the first round. 21 year-old Lakshya Sen went up against Indonesian Jonatan Christie, hoping to seal a place in Sunday's final.

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Game one saw both players engage in a cagey duel, each perhaps apprehensive of the other. Christie eventually triumphed 21-15.

Lakshya hit back in game two, pulling away mid-game to seal a 21-13 victory and stretch the match to its third game.

In the decider Christie was clinical, using his superior reach to neutralise Lakshya's cross-court lifts, and hitting several decisive smashes down the line on his way to a 21-16 win. 

MORE: How can Satwik-Chirag achieve a No 1 ranking? 

Yesterday, Prannoy HS lost his quarterfinal match-up against world No 1 Victor Axelsen, and doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty lost for the first time in 13 games.

Earlier in the week, PV Sindhu lost to the Republic of China’s Zhang Yi Man 21-12, 21-13 to make her seventh opening-round exit in 2023.

MORE: PV Sindhu pens emotional note after US Open debacle

Japan Open 2023 results

Men's singles Semifinals

Lakshya Sen lost to Jonatan Christie 21-15, 13-21, 21-16

 

What next for the Indian players at Japan Open 2023 badminton?

The entire Indian contingent at the Japan Open has been knocked out, as the tournament enters its final day on Sunday, 30 July

How to watch the Japan Open 2023?

There is no telecast of the tournament on television but can be streamed via BWF TV.

Tournament  TV Channel  Live Stream 
Japan Open 2023 N/A BWF TV

Rahul Iyer

Rahul Iyer Photo

Rahul is a content producer for The Sporting News' India edition.