Lakshya Sen - YAE22

Picture Credit: Twitter

India's young sensation and World Championship bronze medalist Lakshya Sen put on another terrific performance to beat defending champion Lee Zii Jia in the All England Open semifinal. Sen showed his top-class game to outclass the fifth seed Malaysian and become the fifth Indian to reach the final of the BWF Super 1000 tournament. In a game that lasted for one hour and sixteen minutes, Lakshya aced the tactical game and won it 2-1.

But what's the purpose of a big win if it is not backed by a unique celebration. Sen also brought out a different celebration which was spontaneous making it even more special. Sen tossed up his racket in jubilation as Zii Jia faltered in the last game giving Sen the game point.

Watch the video here: 

Sensational Sen!

Now coming to the game, it was a tactical masterclass by the 20-year-old Indian shuttler. He started the first game emphatically by taking an early lead of 10-6. His opponent tried to make a comeback and managed to do so to an extent. But Sen was clever enough to not let go of the important lead he had as he won six points on the trot to make it 19-12 and finally went on to win the opening game 21-13.

The second saw him on the backfoot with Zii Jia racing away with an early lead of 9-2 winning six consecutive points. Sen tried to make a comeback, but the effort was not enough. And eventually, it was Zii Jia who hit the game point to take the match into the decider. The third game started well for Sen with him taking 2-0 lead, but Zii Jia soon took the lead and went into the break with an 11-9 lead.

After the short break as well, the Malaysian won three points on the trot to take a 14-10 lead, but the World Championships bronze medalist fought back to level scores at 18-18. From there on, it was all Sen as he won two consecutive points to make it 20-18 and eventually win the game 21-19. The 20-year-old has been in phenomenal form recently.

He first won a bronze medal at the BWF World Championships. Then started the 2022 season with a bang, by winning the India Open. Sen took a break but returned to the German Open to finish as the runner-up. And now, he is on the verge of creating history at the All England Open.