Kumamoto: Lakshya Sen was eliminated in the semifinals of the Japan Masters, a BWF World Tour Super 500 event, on Saturday, losing in three games to hometown favourite Kenta Nishimoto in Kumamoto.
Lakshya started well, leading 8-3 in the first game, but Nishimoto turned the tide with a seven-point run and pushed ahead with steep, well-placed smashes. Despite the Indian shuttler's late-game comeback, a series of errors at the net allowed Nishimoto to win 21-19.
Lakshya responded well in the second game, slowing down the rallies and capitalising on Nishimoto’s physical discomfort. From 1-5 down, he surged ahead with controlled net play and sharp smashes, taking eight of nine points to seize the lead before closing the game 21-14.
However, Nishimoto regained control in the decider, attacking with precision and jumping to a commanding 14-7 advantage. Lakshya struggled to keep pace, eventually handing Nishimoto eight match points, with the Japanese sealing a 21-12 win to reach the final. He will face either compatriot Kodai Naraoka or Chinese Taipei’s Wang Tzu Wei in the title clash, IANS reported.
Earlier, Lakshya defeated former world champion Loh Kean Yew of Singapore to storm into the semifinal on Friday. He registered a 21-13, 21-17 win over the world No. 9 Loh in 40 minutes, marking his seventh win against the Singaporean in 10 career meetings.
Lakshya was the only Indian player alive in the tournament after HS Prannoy bowed out of the tournament following a straight-games defeat in the second round on Thursday.
Prannoy, who was sixth in the badminton rankings two years ago before injuries and chikungunya halted his progress, lost 21-18, 21-15 against 30th-ranked Rasmus Gemke of Denmark in 46 minutes.
India’s challenge in the doubles and women’s singles events ended on Wednesday.