When Lakshya Sen took a medical break at 18-20 in the first game of the German Open final, he suffered a blister on his left leg, restricting his movements, especially on the right. It was slow and temporary. That spark and that enthusiasm was missing but he tried to make a game of it. He made sure it was not easy for Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsern. “His right shoulder was also feeling tight because he was not working hard,” said his coach Vimal Kumar, who has nurtured Lakshya since childhood, and taught him the core of the game. Explained and taught the principles and finer points.
“He had cuts and of course blisters on his left leg. He had heavy tape on his leg, but it was evident that he was in pain whenever he put pressure on his left leg. But I tell you, he has great fighting spirit. Despite the pain, he kept on playing. I am happy with their efforts,” Kumar said.
Sen, otherwise, had a truly memorable German Open. He defeated the challenge of fourth seed Anthony Ginting of Indonesia – the current top-ranked player in his country who is known for legendary players such as Rudy Hartono, Liam Swee King and Tawfiq Hidayat.
Ginting was defeated and ousted in every department by the ruthless and furious Indian. With his sluggish and easy movement on the court, Sen was never wronged by counting. He defeated the Indonesian 21-7, 21-9 and then defeated HS Prannoy to meet with current world No. 1 and Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen.
“Victor was the only top player who was not defeated by Lakshya. They had played 4 times and Lakshya could not win a single game. We worked hard this time and worked a lot on his defense and fitness.”
A fundamental problem with playing Axelsen was how to reach the quick drop shot or half smash, which he hits with a slamming wrist. Also, he skillfully controls the trap from which he gets his openings.
But Sen and Kumar noticed this and the boy from Almora was prepared to play the match of his life. He played with great speed and dove all over to make a brilliant comeback. He was calm, calm and collected, checking the Dane with sharp drops and hitting hard only when appropriate.
Sen was a patient man.
They won the first game 21-13. In the second game as well, the Indian got off to a great start, some good low tosses over the net and good deception to catch the long shuttler over the net cross court. A worried Axelsen turned the strategy deeper into the game. Instead of trying to hit close to the side line, he started going more for body smashes and fast drive shots.
Sen was under pressure and eventually lost the advantage by allowing the Dane to return to the game. She took an 8-3 lead in the second game, but a few wrong decision calls and a sitter hitting the net allowed Axelsen to take an 11-8 lead at the break. Sen seemed to have lost the plot. They had lost eight consecutive points which proved fatal and the long Dane galloped to close the game 21–12.
There were some long rallies in the decider, which kept the spectators away from their seats. Sen’s brilliant defense surprised Axelsen. There was a running tap shot on the net at 4-5 hrs. Sen was innovating all the time. A remarkable rally at this stage saw the Indian ace cover the court as if on roller skates, picking up a full-blooded smash, leaving the Dane frustrated. The experienced Axelsen, however, took the lead 11-8 and extended it to 14-8, which would have actually been a winning lead.
“Lakshya played a very mature game. He was patient but accurate in long rallies, solid in defense and attacking at the right time. He displayed great tenacity and resilience and staying power to end punitive rallies. Showed calm nature and played freely. It was a great show,” said former Asian champion Dinesh Khanna.
Sen started a thrilling fight, keeping the bird under control and some lovely net dribbles saw him close the gap to 15-17 and from 16-19, he tied at 19-19. He was pulsating Axelsen and creating an opening, which he closed with a line-kissing half smash. He had match points at 20-19 and then 21-20 before sealing this marathon match. A victory was well deserved for him and his coaches.
“I am very happy to see Laksshya play like this. Defense, court training and other strokes he does for hours. He never asks for training,” an excited Kumar said after the Axelsen game.
Sindhu, Saina disappointed
Young Indian players participating in mixed doubles and women’s doubles showed some good fighting against their experienced opponents. They were given suitable battlefields to advance and learn the art of winning.
There were high hopes from Sindhu but she stumbled. She defeated Busanan Ongbamrungphan of Thailand 21-7, 21-8, but was knocked out in the second round by China’s Zhang Yi Man.
Nehwal advanced to the second round but lost to Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand.
All eyes on England
The strong Indian contingent is now heading towards the fictional All England Championship. The national focus will certainly be on Sen. He has an interesting draw. He plays the role of Saurabh Verma, a match he would be expected to win. If he wins that one, he will advance to the second round, where he will face either world champion Loh Keen Yew or third seed Anders Antonsen.
All England Championship is one such tournament where players can make a huge name for themselves. Prakash Padukone and Pullela Gopichand won the All England and that is why the world and the country remember them. Padukone was a skilled shuttler and won many titles but is best remembered as the All England Champion.
So, this is where the buck stops for Sen. If he wants to bring himself into the conversation of giants, this is the tournament for him to shine.
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