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Bulgaria success gives me confidence: Lakshya

Last Updated 21 August 2017, 15:02 IST

Ever since shuttler Lakshya Sen rose to prominence by becoming the world number one in the junior circuit early this year, he seems to have made a habit of making the headlines.

Just weeks after being anointed as the best among the juniors, Lakshya took the domestic circuit by storm by becoming the youngest ever to reach the final of the men's singles event at the Senior National Badminton Championships. And just last week, the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy trainee won his first title away from home in the senior circuit at the Bulgaria Open.

"It feels good, really good after winning the title. This one, especially since it was my first one away from home," said Lakshya at the Karnataka Badminton Association on Monday.

"It gives a lot of confidence to a junior player to win titles in the senior circuit. I am motivated and I have the confidence that I can play more and perform well at this level," added the 16-year-old shuttler who had won the India International Series last year, his first senior title.

Lakshya felt an intense preparation was the key behind his dominant show at Sofia. "I knew what to expect. I have seen most of the guys play or I have played against them, so in that respect, it wasn't a big difference.

"My first round was against the top seed (Sam Parsons of England) so I prepared myself better. Well, let's say I was better prepared than what I would have been if I was not facing the top seed. It was a big match and I had to be ready for it. That kind of preparation helped me handle that match well. And a win against the top seed in the opening round was good as I progressed through the tournament. It gave me a lot of confidence and I could build on that in the next matches."

Up next for the Uttarakhand shuttler will be the Vietnam Open, a Grand Prix event.

And the young talent is ready for the challenge. "It's a GP (Grand Prix) event so the level of competition will be better. I am looking forward to that. I believe the only way I can improve is if I play better players and competitions like these give me an opportunity. I want to make the most of it."


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(Published 21 August 2017, 15:02 IST)

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