BWF World Championships: What next for Lakshya, Kidambi?

BWF World Championships: It was a terrific Tuesday for India’s men shuttlers with both Kidambi Srikanth and Lakshya Sen overcoming the odds to get the better of Li Shi Feng and Kenta Nishimoto in three setters. Now a place in the quarterfinals is up for grabs and Tokyo Olympics semifinalist Kevin Gordon stands in Lakshya’s way while Chinese shuttler Lu Guang Zu lies in wait for Srikanth. Follow BWF World Championships Live updates on InsideSport.IN

Also read: BWF World Championships: Impressive HS Prannoy reaches pre-quarterfinals, his form will worry opponents, check details

What was most impressive about Lakshya’s display was how he went about his business in the final set. Not many would have expected such a resilient display from the youngster. Having played a gruelling three-setter in Round 2, coach Vimal Kumar has informed Lakshya Sen that recovery is key at this stage.

BWF World Championships: Lakshya Sen should not give away easy points, Srikanth playing like the days of old, feels coach

“He fought hard. I was surprised with the tenacity he showed especially in the final set. Now he has to utilise his off day and his full focus has to be on recovery. It is a demanding schedule and for him to be on the top of his game, proper recovery is going to be vital,” Vimal Kumar told InsideSport.

Despite the impressive win, Lakshya’s body language during the second set did not impress Vimal Kumar. He pointed out how Lakshya kept giving up during certain points which allowed his opponent to gain in confidence.

“In such high-profile knockout matches, one should not give up on points. There is a way of conserving energy. When Kenta saw Lakshya give up, he gained confidence. I explained to him how to go about things and he will learn I’m sure.”

BWF World Championships: Lakshya Sen should not give away easy points, Srikanth playing like the days of old, feels coach

Kevin Gordon had surprised one and all during his run to the Tokyo Olympics last four stage. The southpaw has a deceptive range of strokes. However, Vimal is confident of Lakshya Sen’s chances to make the quarterfinals.

In an intensed match consists of longer & longer rallies @lakshya_sen got the better of 🇯🇵’s Kenta Nishimoto 22-20, 15-21, 21-18 in the R32 and entered the pre quarters at #BWFWorldChampionships2021 💥

Well played young man 👊#WorldChampionships2021 #IndiaontheRise #Badminton pic.twitter.com/t0Y7MPnNl5

— BAI Media (@BAI_Media) December 14, 2021

“You cannot take anyone lightly at this stage. Kevin is a smart player. Lakshya needs to be ready and if things fall into place, I can see a deep run into the tournament.”

Srikanth of old

Kidambi Srikanth will face Lu Guang Zu, who got the better of the fourth seed Chou Tien Chen. That has opened it up nicely for the Indian to capitalise. And with Kidambi Srikanth playing like the Srikanth of old, the former World No 1 should be quietly confident of progressing.

“Srikanth has been really impressive. The way he is moving and striking the shuttle shows he is really enjoying at the moment. It will not be easy against the Chinese shuttler but if Srikanth starts well, he should be able to put it across his rival,” Vimal Kumar added.

BWF World Championships: Lakshya Sen should not give away easy points, Srikanth playing like the days of old, feels coach

Badminton