Lakshya Sen’s late-season surge shows no signs of slowing down. The 23-year-old Indian shuttler produced another gritty, composed performance to enter the quarterfinals of the BWF Australia Open Super 500, defeating Chinese Taipei’s Chi Yu Jen 21–17, 13–21, 21–13 in a hard-fought Round of 16 clash.
The win marks Sen’s seventh quarterfinal appearance of the 2025 season, the highest in a single year in his career a testament to his growing consistency and renewed confidence on the world tour.
Coming into the match, Sen carried momentum from a string of strong results over the past two months. That rhythm was evident right from the start as he took control early in the opening game. Sen’s attacking play sharp smashes, quick follow-ups, and a steady presence in rallies allowed him to maintain a narrow lead. Chi, known for his counter-attacking game, attempted to slow the pace and draw Sen into longer exchanges, but the Indian held firm. A burst of precision in the final stretch helped Sen close the game 21–17, setting the tone for what would become a tug-of-war encounter.
The second game, however, saw a shift in momentum. Chi Yu Jen raised his tempo significantly and targeted Sen’s backcourt, forcing errors and pushing the Indian deeper into defense. Sen struggled to assert himself as Chi dictated the rallies with greater clarity, sealing the game 21–13 and leveling the match. Many players might have faltered after such a reversal, but Sen has shown over the years that he thrives in three-game duels. This time, too, he reset quickly.
The decider saw Lakshya return to his disciplined, attacking best. He tightened his angles, used the drift smartly, and increased his forecourt pressure. The trademark Sen aggression steep smashes, quick interception at the net, and relentless retrieving returned at exactly the right moment. Chi attempted to stay in the contest, but the Indian’s control over the tempo proved decisive. Pulling away decisively after the mid-game interval, Sen wrapped up the decider 21–13 to book his QF berth.
This victory is more than just another step in the tournament. It reflects Sen’s renewed stability in 2025, a year in which he has steadily rebuilt his form, confidence, and hunger. Reaching seven quarterfinals in a single season his personal best is a major milestone for a player who has long been regarded as one of India’s brightest prospects.
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The win also sets up a highly anticipated all-Indian clash in the quarterfinals against Ayush Shetty, one of the fast-rising names in Indian badminton. The matchup guarantees India at least one semifinalist in the men’s singles draw, but more importantly, it highlights the growing depth in the country’s men’s singles circuit. For Sen, the QF comes at a crucial moment in the season. Each victory strengthens his push to regain a spot among the world’s elite, and facing a young, fearless compatriot like Shetty will offer both challenge and opportunity.
Ayush Shetty himself has been in exceptional touch. His aggressive style, confidence against higher-ranked players, and recent win over world No. 9 Kodai Naraoka have propelled him into the spotlight. A quarterfinal between Sen and Shetty is not just an internal battle; it is a display of Indian badminton’s future stacked on one court experience versus momentum, established pedigree versus rising ambition.
For Lakshya, the key heading into the QF will be maintaining his rhythm from the third game against Chi. His ability to control the middle of the court and manage transitions between attack and defense has been a defining feature of his recent resurgence. If he can sustain that level, he will be well-placed to extend his strong run in Australia.
As the Australian Open advances into the business end, Indian fans have every reason to be excited. Lakshya Sen’s journey has been one marked by peaks, pauses, and powerful comebacks. With his seventh quarterfinal of the year secured, he now stands on the brink of yet another deep run this time with a familiar face standing across the net.
Regardless of the outcome, one thing is already clear: Indian badminton will have a semifinalist, and Lakshya Sen’s fire continues to burn bright as he eyes a strong finish to the 2025 season.
