India’s Lakshya Sen advanced to the pre-quarterfinals of the men’s singles badminton competition at the Paris Olympics with a remarkable straight-game victory over Indonesia’s world number 4 Jonatan Christie in their final group match on Wednesday.

The 22-year-old from Almora, who won bronze at the 2021 World Championships, showcased exceptional skill and strategic brilliance. Sen overcame Christie, the reigning All England and Asian champion, with a decisive 21-18, 21-12 win in a match that highlighted his tactical acumen and composure.

“It was a really tough match today; I’m happy with the way I played,” Sen said post-match. “Especially in the first set, it was crucial to cover the lead and find my rhythm quickly. In the end, it was just a matter of a few points, and I stuck in there and played well.”

Sen’s performance marks a significant milestone in his Olympic journey and positions him strongly as he moves forward in the tournament. His victory over Christie, a top-ranked player, adds a major achievement to his career and brings excitement to Indian badminton fans.