Lakshya Sen, India’s top badminton player, lost in the semi-finals of the King Cup International Badminton Open 2024 to China’s Hu Zhe’an in a nail-biting match that ended 21-19, 21-19. Despite a strong performance, Sen could not overcome Hu’s skill, and now Hu will face Anders Antonsen in the finals.

In a gripping semi-final match at the inaugural King Cup International Badminton Open 2024 held in Shenzhen, China’s Lakshya Sen, currently ranked World No. 12, was eliminated after a closely contested duel against Hu Zhe’an, the junior world No. 1 and world champion. The match concluded with a score of 21-19, 21-19 in favor of Hu, who demonstrated commanding skill and resilience throughout. The first game displayed intense competitiveness, with both athletes tied at 17-17 before Hu edged ahead and secured the lead.

Sen, who previously achieved semi-final status at the Paris 2024 Olympics, attempted to stave off defeat by saving one game point, but Hu’s consistent performance proved insurmountable. In the second game, Hu initially gained an advantage, but Sen mounted a commendable comeback, reaching a 19-16 lead. In a thrilling turn, however, Hu rallied to clinch the necessary points for victory with impressive shots.

Hu Zhe’an will proceed to the finals, pitted against Denmark’s Anders Antonsen, who dispatched French competitor Alex Lanier in the other semifinal. As the sole Indian representative in this prestigious tournament, Sen had reached the semi-finals by defeating Hong Kong’s Angus Ng Ka Long in the quarter-finals. The King Cup, launched by two-time Olympic champion Lin Dan, featured a competitive men’s singles format with eight participants. It should be noted that this event is not part of the BWF calendar and offers no ranking points.

The King Cup International Badminton Open is a newly established tournament designed to showcase elite badminton talent. Launched by the esteemed former Olympic champion Lin Dan, it emphasizes high-caliber matches with selective participation. Despite its inaugural status and the lack of recognition by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) concerning ranking points, the tournament attracts notable players and stands as a significant event in the badminton calendar, fostering competition among the world’s best athletes. Lakshya Sen, representing India, is among the leading figures in badminton, having previously made headlines with his performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics and international tournaments. His semi-final appearance reflects the growing stature of Indian badminton on the global stage.

In summary, Lakshya Sen’s journey at the King Cup International Badminton Open 2024 came to an end in a tightly contested semi-final, highlighting his resilience and skill against a formidable opponent, Hu Zhe’an. With this loss, Sen demonstrated remarkable potential as he strives to elevate his position in international badminton. Meanwhile, Hu progresses to the final against Anders Antonsen, promising an exciting conclusion to the tournament.

Original Source: olympics.com

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