Lakshya Sen bowed out in the semifinal of the Japan Masters, a BWF World Tour Super 500 event, losing in three games to hometown favourite Kenta Nishimoto in Kumamoto on Saturday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Lakshya started strongly, building an 8-3 lead in the opening game, but Nishimoto turned the momentum with a seven-point burst and edged ahead through steep, well-placed smashes. Although the Indian shuttler fought back to level the scores late in the game, a series of errors at the net allowed Nishimoto to close it out 21-19.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Lakshya responded well in the second game, slowing down the rallies and capitalising on Nishimoto’s physical discomfort. From 1-5 down, he surged ahead with controlled net play and sharp smashes, taking eight of nine points to seize the lead before closing the game 21-14.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
However, Nishimoto regained control in the decider, attacking with precision and jumping to a commanding 14-7 advantage. Lakshya struggled to keep pace, eventually handing Nishimoto eight match points, with the Japanese sealing a 21-12 win to reach the final. He will face either compatriot Kodai Naraoka or Chinese Taipei’s Wang Tzu Wei in the title clash.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Earlier, Lakshya defeated former world champion Loh Kean Yew of Singapore to storm into the semifinal on Friday. He registered a 21-13, 21-17 win over the world No. 9 Loh in 40 minutes, marking his seventh win against the Singaporean in 10 career meetings.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Lakshya was the only Indian player alive in the tournament after HS Prannoy bowed out of the tournament following a straight-games defeat in the second round on Thursday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Earlier, Lakshya defeated former world champion Loh Kean Yew of Singapore to storm into the semifinal on Friday. He registered a 21-13, 21-17 win over the world No. 9 Loh in 40 minutes, marking his seventh win against the Singaporean in 10 career meetings.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India’s challenge in the doubles and women’s singles events ended on Wednesday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n