Form is temporary, but class is permanent. Lakshya Sen pulled a rabbit out of the hat during his crucial singles badminton clash with Indonesia’s world number 4 Jonatan Christie at the Paris Games 2024 on Wednesday. Making waves on the internet, Lakshya produced an internet-breaking moment during his thrilling encounter. The Indian shuttler manufactured a jaw-dropping behind-the-back shot to claim a rally against the fourth seed.
This is where Jonathan Christie lost the game. He couldn't move on from Awe-licious backhand defense from Lakshya Sen. Here comes the meltdown of Indonesian fans. Seethe. pic.twitter.com/CGFWh7HNS6 https://t.co/3cYlLdj1e4
— Cuttack City Bureaucrat (@Katakbureaucrat) July 31, 2024
Lakshya’s ‘in-Sen’ backhand masterclass became the talk of the town on the internet. “An incredible retrieve on the backhand from Lakshya Sen and a spectacular comeback!” a user on X wrote. “Lakshya Sen giving us a backhand masterclass,” another fan added. Progressing to the pre-quarterfinals of the Olympics men’s singles badminton tournament, Lakshya bagged a straight-game win over Indonesia’s world number 4 Christie, defeating him 21-18, 21-12.
The reigning All-England and Asian champion, Lakshya Sen, showed his remarkable skills and determination, particularly in the first set where he managed to cover up a lead and find his rhythm quickly. “It was a really tough match today, happy with the way I played. And especially in the first set it was crucial to cover up the lead and find my rhythm quickly. And then it was a matter of a few points in the end which I just stuck in there and played well,” World No. 22 Sen said after the match in Paris.
In the second game, Lakshya looked much more in control, displaying his readiness for the round of 16. Sen outclassed Tokyo Olympics semifinalist Kevin Cordon in the opening Group L match on Sunday. His match was later deleted after the Guatemalan shuttler pulled out due to a left elbow injury.
India’s Sen could potentially meet his compatriot HS Prannoy in the pre-quarterfinals of the Summer Games 2024. Senior badminton player Prannoy squared off against Vietnam’s Le Duc Phat later in the day. Earlier, PV Sindhu also stormed into the pre-quarterfinals of the women’s singles event with a comfortable win over Kristin Kuuba of Estonia 21-5, 21-10 in her second and last Group M match.
Lakshya’s stunning performance and his incredible backhand shot have captured the imagination of badminton fans worldwide, cementing his status as one of the most exciting talents in the sport.
