At the China Masters held in Shenzhen on Wednesday, Lakshya Sen made another early exit, indicating ongoing struggles in his performance. The 2021 World Championships bronze medalist faced Canada’s Victor Lai in the first round and came up short, losing 14-21, 7-21 in a match that lasted just 38 minutes.

Lai, currently ranked ninth in the world, maintained control throughout the match. He capitalised on Lakshya’s mounting frustrations, which resulted in a decisive victory for the Canadian. This win marks Lai’s third victory over Lakshya in their four encounters, further complicating an already challenging period for the Indian player.

Sen’s Performance Raises Eyebrows

Lakshya had previously claimed a win over Lai at the All England Championships in March 2026, leaving his recent performances in stark contrast. The defeat comes after Lakshya’s unexpected early exit from the World Championships held in India, marking a difficult phase in his career.

The match began positively for Lakshya, who quickly established a 4-0 lead. However, once Lai settled into the game, he began to dominate the rallies with solid defence, and Lakshya struggled to penetrate through it. Consequently, his frustration boiled over, resulting in numerous unforced errors which allowed Lai to take the first game 21-14.

After switching sides, Lakshya’s problems only compounded. He found himself trailing 4-11, with his efforts to regain footing in the match leading to further mistakes. Lai took advantage of these errors, eventually winning the second game 21-7, thus eliminating Lakshya at the opening hurdle.

Srikanth Keeps Indian Hopes Alive

In contrast to Lakshya’s performance, Kidambi Srikanth offered a glimmer of hope for the Indian contingent by advancing to the second round. The experienced player, a silver medalist at the 2021 World Championships, defeated Chi Yu Jen from Chinese Taipei in straight sets, winning 21-16, 21-15.

Srikanth maintained control throughout his match, demonstrating composure and skill that allowed him to clinch victory efficiently. His success serves as a boost for the Indian team following Lakshya’s exit and highlights the potential for other players still in the competition.

Additionally, the Indian mixed doubles team of Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto also showcased strong performance, advancing after decisively beating Thailand’s Tonnakorn Saeheng and Tonnicha Saeheng with a score of 21-8, 21-9.

As the day progressed, more Indian players were scheduled to begin their campaigns. The men’s doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, as well as women’s singles players Tanvi Sharma and Devika Sihag, were set to take to the court, leaving the Indian contingent hopeful for further success in the tournament.

Indian Contingent’s Outlook in the Tournament

The performance of Lakshya Sen contrasts sharply with that of his compatriots, emphasising the competitive nature of the tournament. While Lakshya faces challenges, Srikanth’s successful advancement indicates that opportunities remain for the Indian contingent to make an impact.

With several matches still to come, there is considerable anticipation around the performances of other Indian players. They aim to build on the momentum created by Srikanth and the mixed doubles team, potentially providing the Indian audience with excitement in the remaining rounds.

The China Masters continues to be a platform for showcasing talent, with both seasoned players and rising stars participating. As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on the upcoming matches, particularly those involving the Indian athletes.

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