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Lakshya Sen Shines at Japan Masters Amid Indian Shuttlers' Mixed Results

Lakshya Sen made an impressive start at the Japan Masters with a commanding straight-games victory. The Indian shuttler showed excellent court coverage and net play throughout his match. Unfortunately, other Indian competitors faced early exits with Kiran George and Ayush Shetty both losing their opening matches. The mixed doubles pair also put up a brave fight but narrowly missed advancing to the next round.

Key Points: Lakshya Sen Advances at Japan Masters as George Shetty Exit

  • Lakshya Sen dominated Japanese Koki Watanabe in straight games 21-12, 21-16
  • Kiran George lost despite strong first game against Malaysia's Jing Hong Kok
  • Ayush Shetty fell to fourth-seeded Japanese Kodai Naraoka's superior pace
  • Indian mixed doubles pair saved four match points in thrilling three-set battle
2 min read

Japan Masters: Lakshya Sen cruises into second round; George, Shetty exit early

Lakshya Sen cruises into Japan Masters second round with straight-games victory while Kiran George and Ayush Shetty suffer early exits in Kumamoto.

"Showing sharp court coverage and deft net play, Lakshya hardly allowed his opponent to settle into rhythm - Match Report"

Kumamoto, Nov 12

India's Lakshya Sen started his Japan Masters 2025 campaign strongly, advancing to the second round of the BWF World Tour Super 500 event with a straight-games victory over Japan's Koki Watanabe in Kumamoto City on Wednesday.

The seventh seed and world No. 15 appeared in complete control throughout the 39-minute match, defeating the local favourite and world No. 26 Watanabe 21-12, 21-16. Showing sharp court coverage and deft net play, Lakshya hardly allowed his opponent to settle into rhythm.

The 23-year-old Indian will next face the winner of the match between Singapore's Jia Heng Jason Teh and Canada's Victor Lai, a World Championships bronze medallist, for a place in the quarterfinals.

While Lakshya impressed, it was a disappointing day for other Indian shuttlers in the men's singles draw. Kiran George bowed out after losing 20-22, 10-21 to Malaysia's Jing Hong Kok despite a spirited start in the first game.

Rising star Ayush Shetty too faced a tough challenge, going down 16-21, 11-21 to fourth-seeded Japanese Kodai Naraoka, who dominated the rallies with superior pace and precision.

Later in the day, H.S. Prannoy and Tharun Mannepalli were also scheduled to open their campaigns, as India looked to strengthen its presence in the men's singles bracket.

In mixed doubles, the Indian pair of Rohan Kapoor and Ruthvika Shivani Gadde put up a valiant fight before narrowly missing out on a second-round berth. The duo saved four match points but eventually went down 12-21, 21-19, 20-22 against the American team of Presley Smith and Jennie Gai in a thrilling 56-minute contest.

India will have no competitors in the men's doubles section with Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy pulling out from the tournament. The combination of Rohan Kapoor and Ruthvika Shivani Gadde is the country's only challenge in the mixed doubles category.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Mixed feelings about today's results. Lakshya was brilliant but disappointed with Kiran George's performance after that promising first game. He needs to work on his consistency.
A
Arjun K
Really missing Satwik-Chirag in men's doubles! Their absence leaves a big gap in our challenge. Hope they recover soon and come back stronger 💪
S
Sarah B
The mixed doubles pair fought so bravely! Saving 4 match points shows incredible mental strength. They may have lost but they earned respect today.
V
Vikram M
Ayush Shetty is young and facing top players like Naraoka is great experience. Don't be too harsh on him - these losses will make him stronger in the long run.
M
Michael C
Lakshya's next match against either Teh or Lai will be interesting. Both are quality players, but if he plays like today, he should progress to quarters. Fingers crossed! 🤞

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