Shenzhen, September 2: Lakshya Sen’s campaign at the China Masters concluded on Wednesday. The Indian shuttler faced a straight-game defeat against Canada’s Victor Lai in the Round of 32.
Sen lost 14-21, 7-21 at the Shenzhen Arena to the 2026 World Championship bronze medalist, marking his third loss to the Canadian in their four encounters.
This year, Lai has now defeated Sen three times. Previously, he overcame the Indian player in the Round of 16 at the Thomas Cup and again in July during the China Open. Sen’s only victory against Lai came in March during a challenging three-game match in the All England Open semifinals, which he won 21-16, 18-21, 21-15.
Sen was initially set to face France’s new world champion, Alex Lanier, who withdrew after claiming the title in New Delhi.
Last month, Sen had a disappointing performance at the home World Championship, where he exited in the second round after losing to Garrett Tan from the USA.
Earlier, 2021 World Championship silver medalist Kidambi Srikanth advanced to the second round by defeating Chi Yu-Jen 21-16, 21-15.
In another men’s singles match, Raunak Chauhan began his campaign with a straight-game victory over China’s Liu Yu Shuan, winning 21-15, 21-18. Sanith Dayanand triumphed over third seed Dong Tian Yao from China with scores of 9-21, 21-18, 21-15.
Kiran George lost a three-game match to Japan’s Shogo Ogawa, with scores of 15-21, 23-21, 10-21.
In women’s singles, Anmol Kharab easily defeated Hong Kong’s Liang Ka Wing 21-17, 21-9, while Ashmita Chaliha won against Thailand’s Pornpicha Choeikewong 21-17, 23-21.
In mixed doubles, the Indian pair of Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto defeated the Thai duo of Tonkid Saeheng and Tonrug Saeheng with a score of 21-8, 21-9.
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