India’s participation in the Japan Open Super 750 has taken a disappointing turn, as both Lakshya Sen and Ayush Shetty were eliminated in the opening round on Wednesday, July 15. This event is an essential preparation opportunity ahead of the upcoming World Championships. Lakshya Sen faced local favourite Koki Watanabe and could not secure a victory as he succumbed to defeat in straight games on Court 1.

Ranked 14th globally, Lakshya started strong but was ultimately unable to match Watanabe, who is positioned 17th in the world rankings. The first game was competitive until Watanabe accelerated towards the end, gaining a clear advantage. In the second game, Watanabe demonstrated his attacking prowess, delivering powerful smashes that kept Lakshya on the defensive.

The match concluded in just 38 minutes, with Watanabe winning 21-16, 21-14. This defeat comes as part of Lakshya’s ongoing battle for consistent performance this season, having previously reached the final of the All England Open in March.

Ayush Shetty Falls Short in Lengthy Encounter

In a contrasting but equally challenging match, Ayush Shetty faced second seed Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand. Ayush put forth a determined effort and matched the pace of the higher-seeded player in the opening game, nearly facing elimination. He impressively saved five match points in the first game, forcing a deciding third game after a close 23-25 finish in the second.

The contest extended to one hour and 22 minutes, showcasing both players’ resilience. However, Ayush was unable to sustain his momentum in the final game. Ultimately, Vitidsarn secured his place in the next round with a final score of 21-19, 23-25, 21-15.

This competitive match highlights Ayush’s potential and indicates room for growth as he faces high-ranking opponents. His performance, despite the loss, suggests a promising future for the young player.

Mixed Outcomes for Other Indian Players

The unfortunate trend did not halt at the men’s singles matches, as disappointment also touched the women’s singles. World No. 24 Unnati Hooda was bested by Huang Yu-Hsun from Chinese Taipei, who ranks lower than her, in a tightly-contested match that ended 21-16, 16-21, 15-21.

On a brighter note, PV Sindhu, currently ranked 10th in the world, delivered a strong performance in her opening round. She faced Malaysia’s Wong Ling Ching, ranked 37th globally, and won decisively with scores of 21-14, 21-11, showcasing her continued prowess on the court.

Additionally, India’s mixed doubles pair, Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto, advanced to the second round after a solid victory over Scotland’s Alexander Dunn and Julie Macpherson. They won convincingly with scores of 21-16, 21-14, bringing some positive news for the Indian contingent in this challenging tournament.

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