The men’s singles final of the LI-NING Hong Kong Open 2025 promises to be a compelling showdown between two players on contrasting trajectories.
India’s Lakshya Sen, ranked World No. 20, will face China’s Li Shi Feng, World No. 4, in a match that pits resilience against consistency and revival against momentum. The Hong Kong Open, a Super 500 event, carries not just prestige but also significant ranking points 9,200 for the winner and a share of a US$500,000 prize purse. For Lakshya, a win here would mark his first Super 500 title since the Canada Open in July 2023. For Li, it would underline his place among the sport’s elite and reinforce China’s dominance in men’s singles.
Li Shi Feng has entered this final on the back of an impressive 2025 season. Earlier this year, he captured the Malaysia Masters, dismantling Kidambi Srikanth in the final in just 36 minutes. At 25, Li has matured into a complete package disciplined, patient, and tactically astute. His consistency has been a revelation, particularly given his earlier reputation for mental lapses.
Lakshya Sen, on the other hand, has endured a stop-start season. The early months of 2025 saw a string of first-round exits, including disappointing results at the Malaysia Open and India Open. Yet in Hong Kong, he has rediscovered his best form. He fought past HS Prannoy and Ayush Shetty in grueling three-setters before producing a composed semifinal performance against Chou Tien Chen, where he saved three game points in the second game to close the match in straight games. The road has been tough, but it has forged a stronger, more battle-hardened Lakshya.
Profiles in Contrast
Li Shi Feng
- Age: 25 | World Ranking: 4 | Career-high: 3
- Major titles: 2023 All England Open, 2025 Malaysia Masters, 2018 Youth Olympic Games Gold
- Style: Balanced and methodical, with excellent footwork and a strong defense.
- Strengths: Consistency, patience in rallies, ability to absorb pressure.
- Weakness: Historically prone to lapses in focus, though much improved in 2025.
Lakshya Sen
- Age: 24 | World Ranking: 20 | Career-high: 6
- Major titles: 2021 World Championship Bronze, 2022 Commonwealth Games Gold, 2023 Canada Open
- Style: Aggressive, with sharp net play and a quick transition from defense to attack.
- Strengths: Offensive explosiveness, deceptive net skills, improved defensive stability.
- Weakness: Can become impatient in long rallies, leading to unforced errors.
A Rivalry Reignited
The head-to-head between the two adds further intrigue, few of the major results
- 2018 Youth Olympics Final – Li Shi Feng won 21–15, 21–19
- 2023 Canada Open Final – Lakshya Sen won 21–18, 22–20
- 2025 All England Quarterfinal – Li Shi Feng won 21–10, 21–16
- 2025 China Open R32 – Li Shi Feng won 14–21, 24–22, 21–11
While Lakshya held the early advantage, Li has won their last two meetings in 2025, including a dominant victory at the All England. This recent trend gives the Chinese shuttler a psychological edge heading into the final.
Tactical Keys to the Match
The Net Battle: Lakshya thrives when he can control the front court, using his deceptive touches and quick hands to force errors. But Li’s patient, textbook approach at the net has unsettled him in their recent encounters. Whoever seizes control here will dictate the rallies.
Attack vs Defense: This is a classic clash of styles. Lakshya will look to unleash his attacking game, while Li will rely on absorbing pressure and turning defense into counter-attack opportunities. The Indian must balance aggression with patience to avoid errors.
Endurance: Lakshya has played several long matches this week, while Li’s path has been smoother. Fatigue could play a role, though Lakshya’s newfound resilience may offset the physical toll.
For Lakshya Sen, this final is about more than a trophy. It is a chance to silence doubts about his form, reclaim a place among the top 15, and prove he belongs in the conversation with the world’s best. A victory would mark his first Super 500 title in over two years and a major turning point in his 2025 season. For Li Shi Feng, the stakes are equally high. Already a Super 1000 and Super 500 champion, another title would cement his status as China’s leading men’s singles player. It would also continue his momentum heading into the closing stretch of the season, as he aims to break into the top three in the world.
On paper, Li Shi Feng is the favorite. His ranking, recent form, and head-to-head advantage in 2025 tilt the balance in his favor. His ability to stay patient and composed makes him a difficult opponent to crack, especially for someone like Lakshya, who has occasionally struggled with consistency. Yet, Lakshya has shown a fighting spirit in Hong Kong that cannot be ignored. He has battled through adversity, rediscovered his composure at key moments, and proven that he can still take down top players. If he can assert himself at the net and stay disciplined in longer rallies, he has the tools to spring an upset.
Prediction: Li Shi Feng remains the slight favorite, but Lakshya Sen has the resilience and hunger to stretch the match to its limits. Expect a thrilling, high-quality final that could well go the distance.
