Lakshya Sen redeemed himself with a hard-fought victory over Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia in the first round of the 2024 China Masters on November 20, avenging his heartbreaking loss in the Paris 2024 Olympics. The Indian shuttler had come up just short of a bronze medal in Paris after a thrilling three-game battle with Lee, but this time, Sen ensured no such disappointment, clinching a 21-14, 13-21, 21-13 win in Shenzhen.
The match, which unfolded over three intense games, marked a significant milestone for Sen, who now boasts five wins in his last seven encounters with the Malaysian. The victory came after a determined rally in the decider, where Lee fought hard to equalize at 5-5. However, Sen held his nerve, gradually pulling ahead and sealing the match on his third match point. The win was especially satisfying for Sen, who had been dealing with fitness challenges and inconsistent performances throughout the season.
Speaking after the match, Sen expressed relief and optimism, saying, "It feels good to win a match after a long time. Things have been up and down for me, but I'm still trying to get back to my fitness. Slowly, I'm getting back into the circle, and yes, looking forward to tomorrow." The 22-year-old admitted that the memory of his Paris defeat still lingered, acknowledging that it was a tough loss but one that provided valuable lessons. “Yes, it was a tough tournament in a way, but it also gave me lots of positives. Yes, it still hurts a bit. I feel it's going to hurt for some time, but the only thing I’m going to take from it is that motivation,” he reflected.
For Sen, this year is focused on regaining consistency and rebuilding his form. As a world championships medalist, he’s well aware of the importance of regular, solid performances and remains dedicated to improving his game. "This year is about getting a few good matches under my belt because I just want to play some good matches," he said.
With the win, Sen advances to the second round of the China Masters, where he will face either Denmark’s Rasmus Gemke or Japan’s Nishimoto Kenta. As he moves forward in the tournament, Sen remains determined to push through his fitness challenges and continue building momentum for the rest of the season, with his sights set on returning to peak form.
