Picture Credit: Twitter
India's rising star in badminton Lakshya Sen has developed a habit of surprising everyone with his performances. However, it was he who got the surprising defeat at the German Open Super 300 Final on Sunday. The 20-year-old lost to Thailand's Kunlavut Vitidsarn in the much-hyped summit clash. Sen lost in straight games in 57 minutes. It was also worth noting that Sen was continuously getting treatment on his leg during the game.
The Indian shuttler looked in fine touch at the start of the game but Vitidsarn took control as the game progressed. Slowly and steadily, the Thai shuttler built upon the start and rode on his variations and deception to grab a comfortable 11-6 lead at the break.
The Indian shuttler worked up his pace and took control of the net to make it 15-16 but an alert Vitidsarn managed to grab two game points with an overhead cross-court drop. Sen needed medical attention for a blister on his foot even as the Thai came up with a cross-court smash to pocket the opening game 21-18.
The second game also saw World Championships bronze medalist Sen struggling with his injury and eventually giving away too many easy points to his opponent. Vitidsarn, in no time, jumped to a 7-3 lead in the second game before moving to an 11-5 advantage after the change of sides.
The Indian needed the doctor's attention again as he fought his way back with four straight points, but Vitidsarn managed to move to 19-15 and then took five match points before sealing the second game and the match in the first chance.
Notably, Sen was playing after a month and a half gap, after claiming the Indian Open title by defeating Loh Kean Yew. He looked good in this tournament as well. In his opening game, he defeated Kantaphon Wangcharoen of Thailand quite comfortably (21-6, 22-20). In the next round as well, Sen defeated fourth seed Anthony Sinisung 21-9, 21-7.
In the quarterfinals, Sen emerged victorious against compatriot HS Prannoy (21-15, 21-16), and then in the semifinals he managed to beat top seed Viktor Axelsen (21-13, 12-21, 22-20).