Kumamoto: Lakshya Sen bowed out in the semifinal of the Japan Masters, a BWF World Tour Super 500 event, losing in three games to hometown favourite Kenta Nishimoto in Kumamoto on Saturday.

Lakshya started strongly, building an 8-3 lead in the opening game, but Nishimoto turned the momentum with a seven-point burst and edged ahead through steep, well-placed smashes. Although the Indian shuttler fought back to level the scores late in the game, a series of errors at the net allowed Nishimoto to close it out 21-19.

Lakshya responded well in the second game, slowing down the rallies and capitalising on Nishimoto’s physical discomfort. From 1-5 down, he surged ahead with controlled net play and sharp smashes, taking eight of nine points to seize the lead before closing the game 21-14.

Howev

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