Lakshya Sen Advances to Olympics Badminton Pre-Quarterfinals

India's Lakshya Sen secured a spot in the pre-quarterfinals of the Olympics men's singles badminton event, defeating Indonesia's world number 3 Jonatan Christie. Sen is likely to compete against compatriot HS Prannoy next. Earlier, he beat Kevin Cordon and Julien Carraggi to advance in the tournament.

India's badminton sensation Lakshya Sen has advanced to the pre-quarterfinals of the Olympics men's singles competition after a remarkable straight-game victory over Indonesia's world number 3, Jonatan Christie. The match, held on Wednesday, saw the 22-year-old from Almora outclass the reigning All England and Asian champion with a score of 21-18, 21-12 in a surprisingly one-sided contest.

Sen is likely to face fellow Indian player HS Prannoy in the next round. Prannoy is set to play against Vietnam's Le Duc Phat later in the day.

Sen had previously defeated Kevin Cordon, a Tokyo Olympics semifinalist, in the opening Group L match. The match was subsequently deleted after Cordon withdrew due to a left elbow injury. Sen also triumphed over Julien Carraggi of Belgium in his earlier encounter.

(With inputs from agencies.)