Lakshya Sen has found his rhythm in Japan, and the results are beginning to reflect the confidence with which he is striking the shuttle.
The 7th seed marched into the quarterfinals of the Kumamoto Japan Masters 2025 with a commanding straight-games win over Singapore’s Jia Heng Jason Teh, posting a decisive 21-13, 21-11 victory that showcased his sharp form, disciplined court craft, and growing momentum at the Super 500 tournament.
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Coming into the Round of 16 after a strong opening round win, Sen looked visibly pleased and in complete control throughout the contest. Jason Teh, who entered the event riding the confidence of winning the Korea Masters just a week earlier, could not find answers to the Indian star’s precision, pace, and tactical clarity. Where Teh depended on long rallies and physicality, Lakshya countered with quick intercepts, purposeful angles, and a crisp attack that never allowed the Singaporean to settle.
Sen’s win marks one of his most assured displays in recent weeks, particularly considering the quality of his opponent and the stakes at this stage of the season. Not once in the match did he look under pressure; instead, he dictated exchanges from the outset. His opening game control established the tone, while the second game reflected his ability to close out matches without giving his opponent breathing room. It was the kind of performance his team has been waiting for one that signals not just form, but confidence.
A Strong Start: Beating Local Favourite Koki Watanabe
Lakshya’s journey in Kumamoto began with a composed win in the Round of 32 against Japan’s Koki Watanabe, defeating the local favourite 21-12, 21-16. The match was particularly significant as Watanabe, backed by home support and known for his defensive solidity, forced Lakshya into long exchanges in the second game.
For a brief moment, the contest tightened at 14–15, but the Indian stepped up with remarkable clarity. He claimed seven of the last eight points, shifting gears with attacking consistency and taking the game away from the Japanese shuttler. It was a reminder of what Lakshya can do when he taps into his finishing instincts—precise, assured, and ruthless in closing out matches.
This victory not only set the tone for his campaign but gave him the much-needed momentum heading into the tougher rounds of the tournament.
Dominance Against Teh Jason: A Tactical Masterclass
Jason Teh has been one of the more improved players on the tour, and his recent Korea Masters triumph underlined the challenge Sen faced. But Lakshya’s plan was simple: cut down Teh’s rally length, maintain early initiative, and force the Singaporean to play from uncomfortable positions.
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His net play was particularly sharp, allowing him to control the front court a key to neutralizing Teh’s rhythm. The crosscourt blocks, counter-drives, and deft touches consistently kept Teh guessing. Whenever rallies extended, Lakshya switched to targeted smashes and quick follow-up shots, ensuring that Teh never held momentum for long. The 21-13, 21-11 scoreline accurately reflects how commanding the Indian was from start to finish. More importantly, it highlights that Sen is beginning to find the balance between aggression and control that defines his best badminton.
Lakshya Sen’s path now leads to a blockbuster quarterfinal clash against either Loh Kean Yew of Singapore. Loh brings explosive pace and former world champion pedigree, while Ogawa’s steep rise on the circuit is built on hard, fast attacking badminton. A matchup with Loh would be one of the headline contests of the quarterfinal stage. The two share a long rivalry stretching back to junior days, with their encounters often producing high-quality badminton marked by tempo, fitness, and tactical sharpness. Given Sen’s form this week, it promises to be a gripping showdown. As the 2025 season heads into its final stretch, Lakshya Sen’s back-to-back straight-game wins in Kumamoto come at an ideal time.
With major events on the horizon and valuable ranking points at stake, this quarterfinal berth reflects both steady progress and growing confidence. The Indian shuttler has always possessed the tools speed, precision, tactical intelligence and in Kumamoto, he is beginning to put them together at the right moments.
For now, Lakshya Sen stands just three wins away from a Super 500 title. And if his performances so far are any indication, he is ready for the battles ahead.
