Lakshya Sen Suffers Shock First-Round Exit at French Open
In a major upset at the BWF French Open 2024, Commonwealth Games champion Lakshya Sen has bowed out in the first round. The Indian shuttler was defeated in a grueling three-game battle by Ireland’s Nhat Nguyen, a player ranked 34 spots below him.
The final score of 19-21, 21-13, 21-13 in favour of Nguyen marks a significant blow to Sen’s campaign in a crucial Olympic qualification year. The loss in Paris comes as a surprise to the Indian badminton community, who had high hopes for the world number 19.
A Promising Start Fades
The match, held at the Arena Porte de la Chapelle, began positively for the Indian ace. The first game was a tightly contested affair, with both players exchanging powerful shots. Showcasing his trademark grit and rapid net play, Lakshya managed to hold his nerve at critical moments, clinching the opener 21-19. At this stage, it appeared Sen was on course for a comfortable victory.
Nguyen’s Spirited Comeback
However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the second game. Nhat Nguyen returned to the court with renewed determination and a superior strategy. He dictated the pace of the rallies, forcing Lakshya into a cascade of unforced errors. The Irishman’s relentless attack and precise smashes left Sen scrambling, and Nguyen quickly leveled the match by taking the second game 21-13.
Riding this wave of confidence, Nguyen dominated the decider. Lakshya seemed to struggle with the pressure, as his shots lost their earlier precision. Capitalizing on every opportunity, Nguyen built an early lead and never looked back, sealing the match with an identical 21-13 scoreline to complete a stunning comeback in just over an hour.
Olympic Qualification Hopes Dented
This early exit is a bitter pill for Lakshya Sen. The French Open, a key event in the “Race to Paris,” offers valuable ranking points for Olympic qualification. A first-round loss denies him these crucial points and raises questions about his consistency against tenacious, lower-ranked opponents.
For Nhat Nguyen, this victory is one of the most significant of his career, providing a massive confidence boost after defeating a player of Sen’s calibre.
The focus for Lakshya now shifts to regrouping ahead of the prestigious All England Open. He will need to quickly analyse this defeat and iron out inconsistencies to bounce back stronger on his journey to the Paris Olympics.
