New Delhi: India’s top shuttler Lakshya Sen continued his fine run at the Kumamoto Masters Japan, advancing to the quarterfinals of the men’s singles event with a commanding straight-game victory over Singapore’s Jia Heng Jason Teh on Thursday.
Seeded seventh in the tournament, Sen displayed excellent control and precision to defeat the world No. 20 Teh 21-13, 21-11 in a brisk 39-minute encounter. The 2021 World Championship bronze medallist, currently ranked 15th in the world, will now face former world champion Loh Kean Yew of Singapore in the quarterfinals.
Sen started strongly, taking an early 8-5 lead in the opening game. Although Teh briefly edged ahead 10-9, the Indian regained momentum to lead 11-10 at the mid-game interval. After a close exchange up to 14-13, Sen produced a flurry of seven consecutive points to wrap up the first game with authority.
In the second game, Sen raised his intensity further, racing to a 5-0 advantage and extending it to 11-3 at the break. Maintaining his dominance, he never allowed his opponent a chance to recover and sealed the match with ease.
Later in the day, fellow Indian shuttler HS Prannoy is scheduled to face Denmark’s Rasmus Gemke as he bids to join Sen in the last eight.
