KUALA LUMPUR – It was a day of mixed reactions and emotions at the Paris Olympics today for two world badminton giants, India and Indonesia.
Over the last few days, the Porte de La Chapelle Arena has witnessed many upsets, but perhaps none as significant as Lakshya Sen knocking out one of the favourites in men’s singles, world number four Jonatan Christie, in the group stages of the competition.
Unlike Lakshya, the Birmingham Commonwealth Games champion in 2022, Jonatan came to Paris with a lot riding on his shoulders.
Having clinched the All England title in March and won the Asian Championships two months later in Ningbo, China, the former Asian Games gold medallist was among the stars primed to medal in France.
However, the Indonesian was left shell-shocked after suffering a 21-18, 21-12 defeat to Lakshya, a player who had only beaten him once in four prior meetings.
“I’m sorry, but I don’t know what to say right now,” Jonatan told reporters after his unexpected loss.
On the other hand, Lakshya believes he can now conquer the world.
In an interview with the Badminton World Federation, the Indian world number 22 said: “The gold is definitely in sight; my form has been really good in the last few months. Overall, I’ve been in good shape and found my momentum after the French Open (March).
“Going up against Jonatan was tough, but I’m happy with the way I played. It was crucial for me to take the lead and find my rhythm.
“From then on, it was a matter of a few points, and I stuck in there,” added the former Asian junior champion.
When asked what he felt about playing a player like Jonatan so early in the competition, Lakshya said: “For me, that’s the only way forward. I’m used to the conditions and am really ready for the knockout stage.
“Really pumped up to fight for every point in every match.”
Ahead of the mouth-watering encounter, both players had already recorded one win each against Belgium’s Julien Carraggi.
With Guatemala’s Kevin Cordon ruled out of the competition due to injury, it was do-or-die for both Lakshya and Jonatan, as only one player would go on to reach the last 16 knockout stage.
For Jonatan, he became the first seeded player across all five disciplines to be sent packing in the group stage at the Paris Games.
Lakshya, a first-timer at the Games, is slated to face his countryman H. S. Prannoy in the next round. – July 31, 2024