LAKSHYA SEN SENSATIONAL VICTORY AT THE CANADA OPEN

Star Indian shuttler SLA Lakshya Sen dished out a badminton masterpiece to notch up his second BWF Super 500 title with a straight-game win over Li Shi Feng of China in the final of the Canada Open.

- 

The 21-year-old Indian, who had claimed his maiden Super 500 title at the 2022 India Open, mixed incredible speed and power to outshine reigning All England champion Feng 21-18 22-20 in a thrilling summit clash. "Coming into the Olympic qualification year, it was tough as things didn't go my way. So this win will be a big boost to my confidence," Sen told. "I had to dig deep in some matches, the conditions were different and getting used to it was important," the ace shuttler said. This was Sen's first title since claiming his maiden gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in August last year. He is also the second singles player from the country to win a title this year, following HS Prannoy's victory at Malaysia Masters in May. He gave ample display of his temperament as he saved four game points in the second game to grab a championship point and sealed it on the very first opportunity with a smash. He then collapsed on the ground in relief and happiness after an intense match. "It has been an amazing week for me. I got better as the event progressed, I got used to the conditions and played