US Open 2023: Lakshya Sen beats Sankar Muthusamy to reach semis, PV Sindhu exits

Sen will face China's Li Shi Feng, who he beat last week in the Canada Open 2023 finale, in the semis.

India's top seed Lakshya Sen breezed past the quarter-finals hurdle in men's singles at US Open 2023. However, it was curtains for PV Sindhu, who faced defeat against nemesis Gao Fang Jie of China. Sen, Commonwealth Games 2022 champion, got the better of compatriot Sankar Muthusamy in straight games (21-10, 21-17) and in the process reached his second successive semi-final in the BWF World Tour circuit.

On the other hand, PV Sindhu lost to Gao Fang Jie in straight games (20-22, 13-21) and finished her campaign in the semi-finals yet again.

Lakshya Sen, 21, started the match comprehensively against Sankar, winning the opening game by a huge 11-point margin. Unlike the opening game, Sankar made a good comeback in the second game and gave a good fight. He was making use of both attack and defence but at times lacked consistency. In the road to the quarter-finals, the Worlds Junior 2022 silver medallist defeated WR-32 Nhat Nyugen and WR-35 Misha Zilberman - creating two major upsets.

The youngster has been known for his defensive and retrieving skills, but this week he brought in his attacking prowess taking the opponents by surprise. With this, Sankar can get close to top 60 in the next week's rankings in men's singles.

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu, couldn't continue her winning feat against Gao Fang Jie after defeating the Chinese last week at the Canada Open. This is Gao's first semi-finals appearance in the last five years and she now has a superior (4-1) h2h record against the Indian.

Up next, Lakshya Sen will face 2023 All England Open champion Li Shi Feng whom he defeated last week in the finals of the Canada Open. The Indian holds a (5-3) head-to-head advantage against the Chinese and a tough task awaits Lakshya for a place in the final.

India's performance on day 4 of US Open 2023

Men's Singles (Quarter-Finals)

Lakshya Sen beat Sankar Muthusamy (21-10, 21-17)

Women's Singles (Quarter-Finals)

PV Sindhu lost to Gao Fang Jie (20-22, 13-21)