Cry foul and file a suit: Anand Mahindra's epic reaction to Lakshya Sen's 'behind-the-back' shot
Paris: In an extraordinary display of skill and athleticism, Indian badminton star Lakshya Sen stunned the world number 4, Jonatan Christie, with a straight-sets victory, winning 21-18, 21-12. The match, held during the ongoing Olympics, showcased Sen's tactical brilliance and remarkable shot-making ability, including a 'behind-the-back' shot that went viral on social media. This particular shot caught the attention of industrialist Anand Mahindra, who humorously suggested that Christie's only recourse might be to "cry foul and file a suit" against Sen for being an "unnatural opponent who possessed three arms."
Sen's victory over Christie, the reigning All England and Asian champion, was particularly notable as it marked only the second time Sen had defeated the Indonesian player. The last victory came four years ago at the Badminton Asia Team Championships, and Sen entered this match with a challenging 1-4 head-to-head record against Christie. However, Sen demonstrated exceptional maturity and tactical acumen, effectively exploiting Christie's weaknesses and maintaining a high-tempo game.
In the first game, Christie initially took an 8-2 lead, but Sen quickly regrouped and leveled the score. Sen then took control, using flat pushes and strategic shots to win the game 21-18. In the second game, despite a brief period of errors, Sen maintained his dominance, capitalizing on Christie's mistakes to secure a comfortable 21-12 win.
Post-match, Sen expressed satisfaction with his performance, stating, "I think it was a tough match today, happy with the way I played." He also indicated confidence in his form, looking forward to the upcoming matches with optimism.
Next, Sen will face fellow Indian shuttler HS Prannoy in an all-Indian pre-quarterfinal match, while PV Sindhu, another Indian badminton star, is expected to take on China's He Bingjiao.
If I was his opponent, I would cry foul & file a suit claiming that I was confronted by an unnatural opponent who possessed three arms…
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) July 31, 2024
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Lebanon appoints new representative for talks with Israel, rejects linkage to Iran
Beirut: Lebanon’s has moved to underline its independent position in ongoing regional developments, amid attempts to link the country to the broader conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
President Joseph Aoun, while announcing the appointment of former US ambassador Simon Karam as Lebanon’s representative in talks with Israel, made it clear that Karam would be the sole representative for Lebanon and that there would be no substitute.
The move comes in response to what the Lebanese officials see as efforts by Iran to tie Lebanon’s situation to the wider regional conflict. Iran had indicated that there would be no ceasefire involving the US, Israel and Iran unless it also included a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Some groups, including Hezbollah and its supporters, had expressed support for linking the situations, citing concerns that the Lebanese government has limited leverage in negotiations with Israel. Lebanon is not formally a party to the conflict, and its army is considered weak.
However, others, including Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, have opposed this approach. They view Iran’s stance as an attempt to influence Lebanon’s internal affairs and see it as undermining the country’s sovereignty.
Officials backing the government’s position say the move is aimed at reaffirming Lebanon’s sovereignty and ensuring that decisions about peace and ceasefire within the country are not dictated externally.
They also see it as a safeguard, so that any breakdown in talks between the US, Israel and Iran does not automatically lead to renewed conflict in Lebanon.
