Indonesia Open: Lakshya Sen loses to compatriot HS Prannoy in the first round

Lakshay Sen has been at the top of his form. He was part of the Indian men’s squad that won the prestigious Thomas Cup, won his maiden Super 500 title and advanced to the finals of the prestigious All England Championships. However, he fell to fellow compatriot H S Pranoy in the second round of the Indonesia Open. It was the first time H S Pranoy defeated Lakshay Sen, improving his win-loss record against the fellow Indian shuttler to 2-1.

Lakshay Sen failed to match the aggressiveness of H S Pranoy. The 29-year-old Indian pulled off a strong comeback despite trailing 6-3 behind Sen and extended his lead to 10-21 to clinch the first game. He built on the momentum in the second game and raced to a huge 11-3 lead. Lakshay Sen tried to fight back but failed to make a comeback because of unstoppable cross-court smashes by H. S. Pranoy to wrap up the match after just 34 minutes of play.

H. S. Prannoy will lock horns with World No. 12 NG Ka Long Angus of Hong Kong in the second round of the event.

Brice Leverdez outlasts Kidami Srikanth to advance in Jakarta

French shuttler Brice Leverdez won against World No. 11 Kidambi Srikanth 21-23, 10-21 at Gelora Bung Karno Sports Palace in Jakarta, Indonesia on June 15.

Kidambi Srikanth was making a comeback after a month's break. It was his first loss against Brice Leverdez after winning at their previous five meetings. The World Championship silver medallist took a narrow 11-10 lead before the first break. Despite several attempts by Kidambi Srikanth to hold Brice Leverdez, the Frenchman chipped away at points to win the first game comfortably.

The 36-year-old Leverdez completely dominated Kidambi Srikanth in the second game to win the match after 42 minutes of play.