Kenta Nishimoto Defeats Lakshya Sen in Japan Masters Semifinals

Post by : Mara Rahim

In an intense showdown at the Japan Masters, Indian badminton star Lakshya Sen faced off against Japanese player Kenta Nishimoto in the semifinals of this BWF World Tour Super 500 event. The match, held in Kumamoto City on Saturday, saw Nishimoto, who is ranked World No. 13, triumph with scores of 19-21, 21-14, 12-21, following a challenging one hour and 17 minutes.

The opening game showcased a fierce battle, with Lakshya initially surging ahead to a lead of 8-3. Nishimoto, however, quickly caught up, unleashing a series of aggressive shots that propelled him to a 10-9 advantage. As the game progressed, both players exchanged points, eventually locking at 18-18. A clever reverse slice drop earned Nishimoto two game points, and a series of net errors from Lakshya allowed him to take the first game 19-21.

In the second game, Lakshya fell behind 1-5 early but skillfully adjusted his strategy. He dominated the closing stages, winning eight out of the last nine points before the interval. With a mix of precise net play, powerful smashes, and solid defense, he established a commanding 20-14 lead and clinched the game 21-14, leveling the match.

The final game saw Nishimoto regain his rhythm, starting strong with an early 5-2 lead. Lakshya attempted to respond with agile movements and defensive tactics, but Nishimoto expanded his lead to 14-7 at the interval. He maintained control in the closing stages, finishing at 21-12 after converting multiple match points, securing his spot in the finals.

This match showcased Nishimoto's impressive tactical skills, stamina, and powerful shots, while Lakshya's resilience in the second game demonstrated his competitive spirit. The intense clash featured lengthy rallies and significant momentum shifts that kept audiences captivated for the duration of the contest.

With this victory, Nishimoto moves on to the finals, where he will encounter either Japan's Kodai Naraoka or Wang Tzu Wei from Chinese Taipei. Meanwhile, Lakshya Sen will take this experience forward into the BWF World Tour, looking to enhance his performance in future matches.

Despite the setback, Lakshya's skill and tenacity remain evident, securing his status as a leading competitor on the circuit. His ability to challenge top contenders like Nishimoto reflects his potential for success in upcoming BWF tournaments.