Lakshya Sen scripted one of the most dramatic victories of his career to reach the final of the Hong Kong Open Super 500, his first final at this level in two years.
The Indian shuttler overcame World No. 6 Chou Tien Chen in straight games, 23-21, 22-20, saving three game points in the second game to seal the contest with nerves of steel. This marks Lakshya’s first final at a Super 500 or higher event since the Canada Open in 2023, and a return to the big stage that fans have long been waiting for. He will now face reigning All England champion Li Shi Feng of China in the summit clash.
From the outset, the clash promised high drama. Chou Tien Chen, one of the most experienced players on tour and known for his relentless pace, looked sharp in the opening exchanges. Lakshya, however, matched him stroke for stroke, engaging in fast-paced rallies and using his deceptive drops to good effect. Both players exchanged the lead multiple times in the first game. Chou’s smashes found gaps, but Lakshya’s patience and precision under pressure kept him in the contest. At 20-20, the pressure was immense. A fortunate net cord at 21-all gave Lakshya the edge, and he closed the game 23-21 with remarkable composure.
The Comeback of a Fighter
If the first game tested Lakshya’s ability to stay in the hunt, the second game showcased his resilience and fighting spirit. Chou surged ahead, using his steep smashes and quick movement to put the Indian under constant pressure. At 20-17, the Taiwanese looked certain to force a decider. But Lakshya had other plans. Displaying nerves of steel, he refused to let the game slip. He saved three game points in a row, forcing Chou into errors with his deep lifts and well-placed pushes. The momentum began to shift as Lakshya’s body language grew more assertive.
At 20-20, another slice of fortune came his way when the shuttle trickled off the net cord to hand him match point. Sensing the opportunity, Lakshya pounced, closing the game 22-20. In just under an hour, he had secured a straight-games win against one of the sport’s most consistent performers.
The victory carried added significance. For Lakshya, this was his first appearance in a Super 500 or higher final since the Canada Open in July 2023, where he had lifted the title. In the two years since, he has had a stop-start run marked by injuries, dips in form, and flashes of brilliance without a sustained breakthrough. This return to the big stage in Hong Kong is more than just a statistical milestone it is a validation of his persistence and growth as a player. The hunger, belief, and determination that defined his junior years and his early success at the senior level were all on display against Chou.
What stood out most was Lakshya’s ability to handle pressure. Saving three game points against an experienced campaigner like Chou Tien Chen is no small feat. His composure in the clutch moments where every decision can swing the match highlighted his maturity. Both games ended with the net cord intervening, a reminder of how fine the margins were. Yet it was Lakshya who stayed calm, adjusted quickly, and kept forcing the rallies to his terms. His ability to stay present in the moment, rather than dwelling on missed chances or strokes of luck, was the difference between defeat and victory.
Standing between Lakshya and the Hong Kong Open crown is Li Shi Feng, the rising star from China who has already stamped his authority on the world stage. The Chinese shuttler, known for his explosive attack and consistency in long rallies, will test every ounce of Lakshya’s defensive resilience and counter-attacking flair. It will also be a clash of styles: Li’s power and pace against Lakshya’s craft, patience, and ability to exploit small openings. For the Indian, it is not just about winning a title but about reaffirming his place among the world’s elite.
This run to the final also holds significance for Indian badminton. With PV Sindhu battling for form and the doubles pair of Satwik-Chirag carrying the mantle of consistency, a strong showing from Lakshya provides balance and optimism for the singles discipline. His performances in Hong Kong prove that India’s men’s singles contingent is still capable of producing results against the best in the world. The timing of this success, just three years out from the Los Angeles Olympics, could not be better. Lakshya’s resurgence adds depth to India’s Olympic plans, keeping hopes alive for a podium finish.
Lakshya Sen’s 23-21, 22-20 victory over Chou Tien Chen was not just about a spot in the final; it was a performance that reignited belief in his ability to win under pressure. The comeback from 17-20 down, saving three game points, and sealing the match with calm precision will go down as one of his most memorable wins.
As he prepares to face Li Shi Feng in the final, Lakshya has already given Indian badminton fans plenty to cheer about. Whether or not he lifts the title, his run in Hong Kong is proof that he belongs among the very best and that his journey towards greater glory is far from over.
