Indian badminton enters a defining day at the Hylo Open 2025 as three Indian men Ayush Shetty, Lakshya Sen, and Kiran George take the court in the quarterfinals of this BWF Super 500 tournament.
It marks one of India’s strongest collective runs in recent memory on the European circuit, showcasing both the emergence of young firepower and the resilience of established stars. The stakes are high. With 9,200 BWF ranking points on offer for semifinalists, each match carries major implications for year-end rankings and World Tour Finals qualification. Here’s a detailed look at the three Indian clashes in the men’s singles quarterfinals.
Few players have lit up the Hylo Open quite like Ayush Shetty. The 20-year-old from Bengaluru is coming off the best performance of his young career, having dismantled former World Champion Loh Kean Yew 21–11, 21–11 in just 34 minutes a result that sent shockwaves through the tournament.
Now ranked around World No. 31, Shetty faces Finland’s veteran southpaw Kalle Koljonen, ranked World No. 52, in what promises to be a stylistic clash between youthful aggression and tactical experience. Koljonen enters the quarterfinal after a gritty three-game upset of World No. 6 Chou Tien-chen, showcasing his trademark use of angles and deceptive left-handed shot-making. His ability to disrupt rhythm with sharp crosscourt drives and low-trajectory smashes poses a distinct tactical challenge.
However, Shetty’s momentum and efficiency cannot be overlooked. Against Loh, he displayed “pinpoint accuracy at the net” and an ability to accelerate at will qualities that neutralized Loh’s speed and forced errors. Importantly, Shetty’s quick win means he comes into this match physically fresher than Koljonen, who endured a near-hour-long battle in his previous round.
For Shetty, the key will be to maintain high tempo and attack Koljonen’s backhand corner early. The Finn’s left-handed angles are most effective when given time and space, something Shetty’s aggressive style can deny. If the Indian continues to command the net and capitalize on midcourt openings, he should be able to dictate the rhythm.
Projection: Ayush Shetty to win 2–0.
The Indian’s superior speed, confidence, and physical freshness make him the favorite to advance to his first Super 500 semifinal.
Lakshya Sen vs Alex Lanier (France) [4]: A High-Stakes Rematch
A familiar rivalry is set to reignite when Lakshya Sen faces Alex Lanier, the 19-year-old French prodigy and World No. 8. The two met just a fortnight ago at the Denmark Open quarterfinals, where Lanier thrashed Sen 21–9, 21–14 a result that underscored the Frenchman’s growing dominance in the new generation of shuttlers.
Sen, currently ranked World No. 17, has had a mixed season, oscillating between flashes of brilliance and bouts of inconsistency. A former Hylo Open champion, Sen thrives in these conditions and has looked composed this week, breezing past compatriot Sankar Subramanian in straight games.
However, Lanier’s game poses a recurring problem for Sen. The Frenchman’s rapid footwork, steep smashes, and aggressive flat exchanges often deny Sen the high defensive arcs he prefers to control rallies. In their last meeting, Lanier’s relentless attacking pace forced Sen into a reactive mode something the Indian must change tactically tonight.
For Sen, the adjustment lies in variety and deception. Slowing the pace alone won’t work; he must use sharper drops, quick flick serves, and tighter net play to pull Lanier forward and disrupt his rhythm. If he can create front-court exchanges and extend rallies beyond the 30-shot mark, fatigue could begin to test the Frenchman, who played a three-game battle in the previous round.
Triple Delight for India: Sen, Shetty and George Enter Hylo Open Quarterfinals
Still, Lanier enters with psychological momentum and a clearer tactical blueprint. Sen’s ability to impose early control will be crucial the first five minutes could well define the match.
Projection: Alex Lanier to win 2–1.
Sen is expected to fight back harder than in Denmark, possibly taking a game, but Lanier’s superior pace and recent head-to-head dominance give him the edge.
Kiran George vs Jonatan Christie (Indonesia) [2]: The Endurance Test
For Kiran George, the Hylo Open has been another chapter in his growing reputation as a relentless fighter. Ranked World No. 38, the Kerala-born shuttler earned his quarterfinal spot after a grueling 69-minute three-game victory over Toma Junior Popov, following an opening-round win against Kidambi Srikanth. His opponent, Jonatan Christie, the World No. 5 and tournament second seed, represents one of the most physically imposing challenges on tour. Known for his explosive fitness, consistency, and punishing flat game, Christie embodies the Indonesian attacking model quick pace, sharp net control, and relentless smashes.
The two last met at the 2024 Arctic Open, where Christie won comfortably 21–17, 21–8. That match highlighted the tactical gulf between them: George managed to compete well early but faded sharply in the second game under pressure. The concern this time is physical fatigue George’s taxing three-game match against Popov will have left its mark.
To stand a chance, George must focus on short, efficient points. His deceptive drops and precise placement can trouble Christie, but he cannot afford prolonged exchanges. If the rallies extend deep into the third game, Christie’s superior endurance will inevitably take control. Christie, for his part, will look to push the tempo early, forcing George into defensive positions and testing his recovery speed. Expect the Indonesian to attack with pace and precision from the outset, capitalizing on any dip in George’s movement.
Projection: Jonatan Christie to win 2–0.
Christie’s elite conditioning and attacking discipline make him the overwhelming favorite, though George’s fight and composure have already made this tournament a personal success.
Three Indians in the quarterfinals of a Super 500 event it’s a reflection of the depth and evolution of Indian men’s badminton. While Sen remains the flag-bearer of the previous generation, the rise of Ayush Shetty and Kiran George signals a dynamic shift toward a faster, sharper, and mentally tougher breed of Indian shuttlers.
As the Hylo Open reaches its business end, the storylines for Indian fans are compelling:
Can Ayush continue his fearless run?
Can Sen reverse his Denmark defeat?
Can Kiran find one more spark against the Indonesian powerhouse?
Regardless of results, the presence of three Indian names in the last eight is a powerful statement that Indian men’s singles is entering a new era, with talent capable not just of competing, but of commanding the world stage.
