Lakshya Sen could not press on the advantage he gained as the second-ranked Viktor Axelsen came from behind in both the games to defeat the Indian and book a place in the final of the men's singles badminton tournament at the Paris Olympics. (Highlights | Medal Table | Schedule & Results)
For a tired yet valiant Sen, the first game against defending champion proved decisive; even a brilliant start to the second didn't help as he lost 22-20, 21-14.
The 22-year-old from Almora, a 2021 World Championships bronze medallist, squandered three game points in the first game and a 7-0 lead in the second to surrender to the two-time world champion Axelsen in a 54-minute semi-final clash.
Sen will now play Lee Zii Jia of Malaysia, who lost to Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand, in the bronze medal play-off. The 22-year-old will aim to become the first Indian male shuttler to claim an Olympic medal.
India have never won a Olympic gold medal in badminton, with PV Sindhu bagging a silver and bronze at the Rio and Tokyo Olympics and Saina Nehwal securing a bronze in London Games.
