Journalism of Courage
After four days of sensational badminton, the 20-year-old Sen faltered on the cusp of history as he committed too many errors to go down 10-21 15-21 to former champion Axelsen in a lop-sided summit clash that lasted 53 minutes at the Barclaycard Arena. AP Photo
While 2020 winner Axelsen claimed the men's singles title for the second time, Japan's Akane Yamaguchi won the women's singles crown, beating South Korea's An Seyoung 21-15 21-15 in the final. AP Photo
"I think the strategy was there. I played him last week but today he was looking solid in attack and defence as well. He was really patient and played a really good game," Sen said after the match. AP Photo
On Saturday, Sen had become only the fifth Indian after Prakash Nath (1947), Prakash Padukone (1980, 1981), Pullela Gopichand (2001) and Saina Nehwal (2015) to reach the final of the prestigious tournament after outwitting defending champion Lee Zii Jia in a gruelling semifinal. AP Photo
A week back, Sen had recorded his first win over former world champion Axelsen en route to his final appearance at the German Open but he couldn't sustain his craft on Sunday as his highly-fancied rival returned the favours, claiming his fifth overall win against the Indian.
Denmark's Viktor Axelsen competes against India's Lakshya Sen during their men's singles final match at the All England Open Badminton Championships in Birmingham, England, Sunday, March 20, 2022. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)
Sen couldn't mount his attack and trailed early on with Axelsen galloping to a 6-0 lead with the help of some precise smashes on the lines. AP Photo
Denmark's Viktor Axelsen celebrates after defeating India's Lakshya Sen during their men's singles final match at the All England Open Badminton Championships in Birmingham, England, Sunday, March 20, 2022. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)
Denmark's Viktor Axelsen celebrates after defeating India's Lakshya Sen during their men's singles final match at the All England Open Badminton Championships in Birmingham, England, Sunday, March 20, 2022. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)
Denmark's Viktor Axelsen celebrates after defeating India's Lakshya Sen during their men's singles final match at the All England Open Badminton Championships in Birmingham, England, Sunday, March 20, 2022. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)
