Shenzhien, Sept 3:
India’s Lakshya Sen suffered another disappointing early exit, losing to Canada’s Victor Lai in straight games at the China Masters on Wednesday, while Kidambi Srikanth progressed to the second round with a comfortable victory.
Lakshya, the 2021 World Championships bronze medallist, struggled throughout his opening-round encounter against world No. 9 Lai before going down 14-21, 7-21 in just 38 minutes.
The defeat continued a difficult run for the Indian shuttler, who had also made an early exit from the World Championships at home. Wednesday’s loss was his third against Lai, with Lakshya’s only victory over the Canadian coming at the All England Championships in March.
Lakshya made a promising start, moving into a 4-0 lead in the opening game. However, Lai quickly settled into the contest and used his defence effectively to frustrate the Indian.
Lakshya repeatedly struggled to find winners and made a series of errors, particularly while attempting to attack Lai’s backhand sideline. The Canadian gradually took control and closed out the opening game.
The second game followed a similar pattern. Lai absorbed Lakshya’s attacking pressure and forced him into further mistakes, leaving the Indian trailing 4-11. Lakshya could not produce the required comeback as Lai wrapped up the match comfortably.
Srikanth provided some cheer for India, defeating Chinese Taipei’s Chi Yu Jen 21-16, 21-15 to book his place in the second round.
India also had success in mixed doubles, with Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto defeating Thailand’s Tonnakorn Saeheng and Tonnicha Saeheng 21-8, 21-9.
Later in the day, India’s men’s doubles combination of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, along with women’s singles players Tanvi Sharma and Devika Sihag, were scheduled to begin their campaigns.