Lakshya Sen Fights Back to Secure Quarterfinal Spot at All England Championships
In a thrilling display of resilience, Indian badminton star Lakshya Sen twice recovered from mid-match slumps to defeat Hong Kong's Ng Ka Long Angus 21-19, 21-23, 21-10 on Thursday. This hard-fought victory propelled him into the quarterfinals of the prestigious All England Championships in Birmingham, marking a significant milestone in his career.
A Rollercoaster Match with Dramatic Twists
The match was a testament to Sen's mental fortitude, as he navigated through intense pressure points. In the first game, he built a commanding lead of 17-13 and later 19-16, only to see Angus claw back to level the score at 19-19. Undeterred, Sen unleashed a powerful crosscourt winner to reach match point, and Angus's subsequent error handed the Indian the first game.
The second game followed a similar pattern, with Sen racing ahead to an 11-4 advantage and extending it to 13-6. However, Angus, who had previously held a perfect 3-0 record against Sen, mounted a fierce comeback, narrowing the gap to 16-19. From a precarious position of 17-20, Angus saved three match points in a stunning turnaround to snatch the game 23-21, leaving Sen reeling.
Dominant Decider Erases Past Demons
Facing the specter of past disappointments—notably his loss in the 2024 Olympic bronze medal match after failing to hold big leads—Sen showcased remarkable composure in the decider. He started strong, scoring five consecutive points from 0-2 and swiftly building a 13-5 lead. Playing with strategic caution, he prevented Angus from mounting any recovery, sealing the match with authoritative smash winners to secure his first-ever victory over the Hong Kong shuttler.
Reflecting on the match, Sen praised his opponent's tenacity. "It was very solid in both games. Credit to him, he made a solid comeback in the second. I didn't play freely towards the end of the second game and gave too many easy shots for him to hit. But I prepared well for the third game to go all out and am happy with the way I played the third game," he said.
Strategic Insights and Future Challenges
Sen admitted to tactical lapses in the closing stages of the first two sets. "Tactically, I was playing the right game. It's just that I did not stick to the plan during the last few points, made too many errors. But it was important to forget the first two games and play the third with the plan that worked," he explained. This ability to reset and execute under pressure highlights his growth as a player.
With this win, Sen remains the sole Indian contender in the tournament, following the retirement of the mixed doubles pair Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto, who were trailing against Hong Kong's Tang Chun Man and Tse Ying Suet. Next, Sen faces a formidable opponent in China's Li Shi Feng in the quarterfinals. Despite an even 7-7 head-to-head record, Li has won their last three encounters, setting the stage for a highly anticipated clash.
"Now it is time to recover for another tough match tomorrow," Sen concluded, emphasizing the need for quick recuperation. His performance not only advances his campaign but also boosts India's presence in one of badminton's most prestigious events, showcasing his potential to challenge the world's best.
