First Game: Axelsen Wins a Close Match
Second Game: Axelsen Comes Back to Win
Fight for Bronze: Sen to Play Against Lee Zii Jia
Indian badminton sensation Lakshya Sen’s remarkable run at the Paris Olympics 2024 came to a heartbreaking halt in the semi-finals as he faced off against Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen, currently ranked No. 2 in the world. Sen lost in straight games 2-0.
First Game: Axelsen's Narrow Escape
IND : 20
DEN : 22
Axelsen started strong, establishing an early 3-0 lead. However, Sen fought back fiercely, reducing the gap to 11-9 by the half-game mark and further extending his lead to 15-9. This surge put Axelsen under considerable pressure. As the game reached a tense climax, with Sen holding a game point at 20-17, unforced errors crept into his play. Axelsen capitalized on this, securing five consecutive points to clinch the first game 22-20. It was a heart-wrenching moment for Indian supporters, who had hoped to see Sen take the lead.
Second Game: Axelsen's Resilience
IND : 14
DEN : 21
Determined to bounce back, Sen started the second game with impressive confidence, racing to a 7-0 lead. However, Axelsen’s experience and resilience shone through once again. The Dane gradually clawed his way back, equalizing the score and ultimately pulling ahead to win the second game 21-14. Axelsen’s stunning comeback from 17-14 to 21-14 showcased his exceptional skill and mental fortitude, securing his place in the finals.
Sen's Historic Achievement
Despite the semi-final loss, Lakshya Sen has already made history by becoming the first Indian male shuttler to reach the last four at the Olympics. The 22-year-old has a chance to further etch his name in the history books as he gears up to compete for the bronze medal against Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia on Monday evening. Ranked world No. 22, Sen aims to become the first Indian male shuttler to win an individual Olympic medal, joining the illustrious ranks of Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu.
The bronze-medal match promises to be an intense showdown as Sen seeks to fulfill his Olympic dreams and bring home a medal for India.