Lakshya, Tanisha-Ashwini cruise into pre-quarterfinals

Johannesen, 22, is rated highly in Europe and is considered the ‘next big thing’ in Danish men’s badminton. Being a southpaw also helps as it rattles even the best of right-handers on the tour.

But Sen postponed the Dane’s rise by eliminating him in the first round of the $1.3 million event in Birmingham. The Commonwealth Games champion was clearly the better player at the net and was patient during longer rallies to notch a 21-14, 21-14 victory in the first meeting between the two.

Though the 22-year-old has got off to a strong start, the path ahead will only get tougher. “Yes, but tomorrow will be a real test for Lakshya,” Vimal, who was sitting in Sen’s corner alongside former All England champion Prakash Padukone, said.