Injury to Lakshya Sen Shapes India’s Thomas Cup Exit, Puts Thailand Open Return in Doubt

Overview

• India took bronze at the Thomas Cup after a 0-3 semifinal loss to France in Horsens, with Lakshya Sen ruled out.
• Sen injured his right elbow during a draining quarterfinal against Chou Tien-chen and could not play the next tie.
• He has completed MRI scans and says his entry for the May 12–17 Thailand Open depends on the doctor’s review, with staff warning he might only be 60–70% or risk aggravating the injury.
• Team leaders said his absence changed the matchup, as HS Prannoy called it the biggest factor and Chirag Shetty said the singles-first rule limited India’s stronger doubles pair from affecting the tie.
• With Sen out, Ayush Shetty opened for India and fell 21-11, 21-9 to Christo Popov, setting France on course for a straight-sets win.