Thailand Open 2023 HIGHLIGHTS: Lakshya Sen eases through to semis; Kiran George loses in quarters

Sen defeated the Malaysian 21-19, 21-11 to enter the semifinals of the Thailand Open 2023!

A straight smash to finish things for Lakshya.

One more point and Sen is through to the semifinals

Leong doesn’t seem to understand Lakshya’s shots in the second game.

Another jump smash of Lakshya that Leong fails to decode.

Lakshya attempts a straight smash but is unable to judge it right as he hits one out.

Leong’s backhand fails to hit the mark as the shuttle falls onto the net.

Leong aims for Lakshya’s body as he continuously targets near the body of the Indian and is successful after the Indian tries to hit the shuttle but failed to execute a behind the body backhand shot.

Leong makes quick work of the net shots and smashes near the net leaving Lakshya unable to return.

Lakshya makes quick work to win the first game as Leong looks visibly tired.

The fast paced rally proves to be too tiring for Leong who is unable to match with the speed of the Indian.

Lakshya restores parity and regains the lead as Leong is unable to connect.

After making Leong run back and forth, Lakshya deceives him to believing he would hit a cross court but goes for a straight instead.

Lakshya’s flaws start creeping up as he fails to return a net shot.

Five points on the trot for Leong after the mid-game interval.

Leong is made to run throughout the court but mistimes his backhand which hits the net.

Lakshya fails to connect with the shuttle as he hits one onto the net.

An intense rally which featured running around the court for both the players came to an end when Lakshya followed his cross court shot with a drop shot by the net as the Malaysian stood in the opposite back end of the court.

Lakshya’s cross court drop short fell short for Leong, who was on the other side of the court.

Lakshya makes the Malaysian move front and back ensuring he falters and hit one onto the net.

Lakshya starts off with a wide smash.

The head-to head record shows both the players having won a match each.

Kiran loses to Toma in straight games in the quarterfinals. 16-21, 17-21.

Back-to-back body smashes make Kiran unable to retailate as the Frenchman inches closer to the semifinals.

Kiran’s consecutive attacks are powerful enough to stop the Frenchman from returning.

Parity restored as Kiran fails to get the shuttle over the net while defending.

Mid-game interval commences as the Indian leads 11-8 in game two.

Points are exchanged as both players test each other’s ability to attack and defend.

In a battle of net shots, Kiran loses as he fails to ensure the shuttle travels to the opponents court.

Toma ousts one outside after failing to defend.

Yet another body smash attempt the Indian fails to defend and its game one for Toma!

Kiran smashes straight but unfortunately it lands outside despite Toma not being able to reach it.

A body smash towards Kiran leaves him with no option but defend and commit an unforced error of hitting the shuttle out.

A drop shot from Toma gets to Kiran as he tries to force an attack near the net but fails as the shuttle hits onto the net.

A straight down smash leaves the Frenchman unable to retaliate.

Parity is restored for the first time in the match as Kiran’s cross court smash proves to be fatal for Toma.

In an attempt to reduce the point gap, the Indian forces Toma to hit a backhand which hits the net.

An unforced error from the Indian as he tries to hit via a backhand but the shuttle hits the net.

It’s the Indian’s turn to get three points on the trot.

The Frenchman gets five consecutive points with quick and fierce attacks.

The two have faced each other only once prior to this and the Indian won that match.

Both the players have entered the court and are warming up.