Lakshya Sen‘s remarkable debut in the Olympic Games has reached new heights as he achieved a historic victory against 12th seed Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei in the quarterfinals of the Men’s Badminton Singles.
In a thrilling encounter characterized by intense rallies, Sen emerged victorious after three gripping games, with scores of 19-21, 21-15, 21-12.
This win propelled Sen into the semi-finals, making him the first Indian male shuttler to achieve this milestone in Olympic history.
The quarterfinal match against Chou Tien Chen began with both players exhibiting a calm and composed demeanor, trading points evenly and keeping the game tightly contested.
Chou initially gained the upper hand, surprising Sen with powerful smashes and agile footwork, building a 3-point lead at 5-2.
However, Sen quickly adapted, matching Chou point for point to level the score at 5-5.
The intensity of the game escalated, with both players exchanging points vigorously, leading to a 10-11 scoreline in favor of Chou at the halfway mark.
After the break, Chou continued his aggressive play, scoring three consecutive points and increasing the pressure on Sen.
Despite this, Sen displayed remarkable resilience, fighting back to tie the game at 15-15.
The two engaged in a fierce battle of smashes and swift movements, but Chou ultimately edged out Sen, winning the first game 21-19.
The initial setback only fueled Sen’s determination in the second game. He started aggressively, taking an early 4-1 lead. Chou, known for his strategic play, managed to turn the tables, leading briefly at 5-4.
However, Sen’s relentless attack and strategic smashes brought the score to 11-10 at the halfway break.
Post-break, Sen dominated, building an 18-13 lead and eventually clinching the game 21-15, setting the stage for a decisive third game.
In the final game, both players fought fiercely, scrambling to save every point.
Sen gained a narrow 5-4 lead early on, which he expanded to 11-7 by the halfway mark through a series of powerful smashes.
Despite Chou’s attempts to rally back, Sen maintained his lead, ultimately winning the game 21-12 and securing his place in the semifinals.
With this latest triumph, Sen now prepares to face Viktor Axelsen on August 4th.