Lakshya Sen Loses to Kenta Nishimoto in Japan Masters Semis

Indian badminton player Lakshya Sen lost to local favourite Kenta Nishimoto in the semifinals of the Japan Masters, a BWF World Tour Super 500 event. The match took place on Saturday in Kumamoto City. The three-game contest ended 19-21, 21-14, 12-21 in favour of Nishimoto, World No. 13, after lasting one hour and 17 minutes. The result ended Sen’s run in the tournament.

In the opening game, both players fought closely. Lakshya started strong, taking an early 8-3 lead. Nishimoto quickly gained momentum with seven consecutive points to take a 10-9 lead. The Japanese player’s steep smashes troubled Lakshya, and despite the Indian player’s efforts to regain control, Nishimoto edged ahead 18-18. A precise reverse slice drop gave Nishimoto two game points, and Lakshya’s net errors handed him the opening game 19-21.

In the second game, Lakshya fell behind 1-5 initially but regrouped, slowing the rallies and winning eight of the last nine points before the break. Using a combination of delicate net shots, powerful smashes, and strong defense, Lakshya built a 20-14 lead and successfully claimed the second game 21-14, showing his ability to adapt and respond under pressure. The match was now level at one game each.

The decider saw Nishimoto regain control. He led 5-2 early, using sharp attacking returns and body smashes. Lakshya tried to respond with defensive efforts and swift movements, but the Japanese player maintained his lead. Nishimoto reached 14-7 at the interval and continued to dominate, eventually extending to 17-9. Lakshya went wide in crucial moments, allowing Nishimoto to convert eight match points and win the third game 21-12, securing his place in the final.

The match highlighted Nishimoto’s tactical awareness, physical stamina, and precise smashing. Lakshya showed resilience in the second game but could not maintain consistency in the final game. The clash was intense, with long rallies, quick movements, and multiple momentum shifts, keeping spectators engaged throughout the one hour and 17 minutes of play.

With this win, Nishimoto advances to the Japan Masters final. He will face either his compatriot Kodai Naraoka or Chinese Taipei’s Wang Tzu Wei in the title match. Lakshya Sen, meanwhile, must regroup after this defeat as he continues to compete in the BWF World Tour, aiming to improve his performance in upcoming events.

Despite the loss, Lakshya Sen demonstrated skill, determination, and competitive spirit. The Indian shuttler remains one of the top players on the circuit, and this semifinal run adds valuable experience. His ability to challenge top-ranked opponents like Nishimoto shows his potential for future BWF tournaments.