In a thrilling second-round match at the
Initially, expectations were high for Sen, who is ranked 14th globally and a bronze medallist at the previous World Championships. After a narrow victory in his opening match, he was anticipated to have a smoother encounter against the lower-ranked Tan, who holds the 92nd position in the world rankings. However, the match proved to be a challenging affair for Sen, who struggled to find his rhythm against Tan's aggressive play.
Intense Competition
From the outset, the match was a mental and physical contest. Tan, a former junior World No. 1, displayed remarkable skill with powerful overhead and cross-court smashes that often left Sen scrambling. Despite taking the first game, Sen found it increasingly difficult to maintain his lead as Tan capitalized on his mistakes, particularly in the second game. Leading 11-8, Tan's strategic high lifts and relentless smashes allowed him to seize control, ultimately forcing a decisive third game.
In the final game, Tan surged ahead with an 11-4 lead, putting Sen in a precarious position. However, buoyed by the support of the crowd, Sen fought back, narrowing the gap. Unfortunately for the Indian player, a medical timeout taken by Tan shifted the momentum back in the American's favor, leading to a series of powerful jump smashes that sealed Sen's fate.
Other Matches and Results
While Sen faced disappointment, other Indian players had more favorable outcomes.
In doubles action, the pair of Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto advanced with a convincing 21-11, 21-11 win against Macau's Lok Chong Leong and Weng Chi Ng. Additionally, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty received a walkover after their Scottish opponents withdrew due to an injury. The tournament continues to showcase intense competition as players vie for top honors.
