"THAT IS SENsesational" - Netizens react after Lakshya Sen pulls off remarkable win against World No. 3 Jonatan Christie
Lakshya Sen pulled off an unbelievable win against World No. 3 Jonatan Christie of Indonesia in his final group stage match at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Wednesday, July 31.
Sen's outstanding performance saw him stage a comeback from 8-2 down in the first game to win it 21-18. An emphatic 21-12 victory in the second game helped him secure his place in the knockout stages of the tournament.
After the thrilling encounter, fans and former players took to social media to express their admiration for Sen's spectacular and monumental achievement. Many were particularly awed by a breathtaking, high-paced rally where Sen executed an extraordinary shot to clinch match point.
“We don’t need to search Lee Chong Wei or any Chinese player for enjoying magical shots anymore, we have our own Lakshya Sen, and what a stage to deliver one on,” one fan wrote.
Another fan complimented the 22-year-old’s solid defensive play, calling it the best in the tournament.
“He was actually defending insane. Some of his defensive shots were one of the best in the tournament. Just praying he can continue this form,” the fan wrote.
India’s former hockey captain, Viren Rasquinha, took to X to applaud Sen, saying it is the best he has seen the Indian shuttler play against Jonatan Christie in the last few years.
“That was quite frankly the best I have seen Lakshya Sen play in the last 2-3 years vs Jonathan Christie. He has to stay focused and keep going,” Rasquinha wrote.
“Lakshya Sen, that is too good! A player that everyone in that men's singles draw would be wary of,” one fan posted.
“Remember the name—Lakshya Sen! What a player at just 22, defeating the current All England and Asian champion, Jonatan Christie. And how sensationally done from the disadvantage court on game 1. The point that set up the game point was pure genius,” another wrote.
“22-year-old, 1st Olympic, down to 2-8 first set, then won both sets. WHAT A WIN BY LAKSHYA SEN and QUALIFY INTO ROUND 16,” one fan commented.
Here are more fan reactions to Lakshya Sen’s momentous triumph at the Paris Olympics 2024:
"LAKSHYA SEN YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING 🇮🇳 WOW ,What a time to pull off a behind-the-back shot in the middle of a furious flat exchange, and to eventually win the rally to set up game point. THAT IS SENsational," wrote a fan.
Sindhu and Satwik-Chirag also through to the knockout stages at the Paris Olympics 2024
Two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu got the better of Estonia’s Kristina Kuuba 21-5, 21-10 to secure her place in the last 16.
Meanwhile, the men’s doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have also booked their spot in the quarterfinals after finishing undefeated and topping their group.