Big win: India's Lakshya Sen plays a shot to Indonesia's Jonatan Christie in their men's singles group stage match during the Paris Olympic Games. - AFP
PETALING JAYA: Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen pulled off one of the biggest upset in the men's singles at the Paris Olympics when he sent Indonesia's world No. 4 Jonatan Christie packing.
World No. 22 Lakshya played brilliantly to beat Jonatan 21-18, 21-12 in his last Group L match at Adidas Arena in Port de la Chapelle on Tuesday (July 31).
The 22-year-old will now likely play teammate and world No. 13 H. S. Prannoy in the last 16.
Lakshya was pleased with his performance in his first Olympics.
"It was a tough match and I'm happy with the way I played," said Lakshya in a post match interview with the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
"I was behind a few points in the first game and it was crucial for me to recover and find my rhythm quickly. I was more in control in the second game.
"I'm looking forward to the last 16 now."
While it was joy for the youngster, it was bitter disappointment for reigning Asian and All-England champion Jonatan, who was one of Indonesia's best bets for a medal in Paris besides Anthony Ginting.
