Lakshya loses in Japan Open semis

Lakshya Sen's fine run was brought to an end by Asian Games champion Jonatan Christie as he lost in three games in the semi-finals at the $850,000 Japan Open in Tokyo on Saturday.

- Sandip Sikdar

Sen fought hard against the fifth seeded Indonesian but lost 15-21, 21-13, 16-21 in 68 minutes at the Yoyogi National Gymnasium. It was his second loss in three meetings against the world No.9.

Aiming to enter his second final of the year, Sen, the world No.13, started well to go 7-4 up in the first game as both shuttlers found it difficult to get into their groove due to the drift. The 2022 Commonwealth Games champion was quick and sharp with his returns, but Christie matched Sen's pace.

The Indonesian attacked Sen's body and used his experience to take the attack to the Indian.