Lakshya Sen continued his impressive run at the DAIHATSU Indonesia Masters 2026 by storming into the quarterfinals with a dominant straight-games victory over Hong Kong’s Jason Gunawan.
The Indian shuttler produced a clinical performance to win 21–10, 21–11, underlining his growing confidence and form as the Super 500 tournament in Jakarta moves into its business end.
Coming off a hard-fought opening-round win against Chinese Taipei’s Wang Tzu Wei, Lakshya wasted no time in stamping his authority in the Round of 16. Where the first match had tested his patience and resilience across three games, this time the world No. 12 delivered a ruthless display of controlled aggression, never allowing Gunawan to settle or find any rhythm.
From the opening rally, Lakshya looked in complete control of proceedings. His footwork was sharp, his shot selection precise, and his ability to dictate rallies from the backcourt gave him a decisive edge. Gunawan, who had impressed earlier in the tournament with his speed and court coverage, was quickly forced into a defensive role as Lakshya used steep smashes and tight net play to open up the court.
The first game was effectively decided in its early stages. Lakshya surged ahead to a commanding lead, mixing powerful attacking strokes with clever placement. Gunawan tried to vary the pace and draw errors, but Lakshya’s consistency meant there were few openings. The Indian shuttler closed out the game 21–10 with a flurry of attacking points that reflected his dominance.
The second game followed a similar pattern. Lakshya continued to apply relentless pressure, moving Gunawan from corner to corner and forcing him into hurried returns. With his superior reach and timing, Lakshya picked off loose shots and built another comfortable lead. Gunawan showed flashes of resistance, but the gap in quality was clear. Lakshya sealed the match 21–11, completing one of his most straightforward victories on the World Tour in recent months.
This result not only booked Lakshya a place in the quarterfinals but also marked his second consecutive appearance in the last eight of a major tournament, reinforcing the sense that he is rediscovering his best form at an important stage of the season. After a 2025 campaign that had its ups and downs, the 2026 season has started with a more settled and confident Lakshya, and Jakarta is fast becoming a showcase of that resurgence.
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What made the win particularly impressive was how quickly Lakshya adapted from his previous match. Against Wang Tzu Wei in the opening round, Lakshya had to battle through momentum swings, losing the second game after being well ahead before regrouping to win the decider 21–14. That contest demanded mental strength and tactical adjustments. Against Gunawan, he brought those lessons into a more aggressive and efficient game plan, ensuring there was no opportunity for the match to drift into uncertainty.
Lakshya’s ability to control the tempo was a standout feature of the performance. He varied his pace intelligently, slowing rallies down when needed and then accelerating with sharp smashes or fast drops to catch his opponent off guard. His net play, often an area of focus in recent months, was crisp and decisive, allowing him to finish points quickly and avoid extended exchanges.
For Indian badminton, Lakshya’s run in Jakarta is another encouraging sign in a season that has already seen several strong performances on the BWF World Tour. With players like PV Sindhu and HS Prannoy also showing signs of returning to top form, Lakshya’s presence in the latter stages of a Super 500 event adds depth and momentum to India’s challenge on the international circuit.
Reaching back-to-back quarterfinals is also significant for Lakshya on a personal level. It provides valuable ranking points and, more importantly, builds confidence against a range of opponents and playing styles. At this level, consistency is often as important as the occasional headline-grabbing win, and Lakshya’s ability to string together solid performances suggests that he is finding a stable rhythm again.
Looking ahead to the quarterfinals, the challenge will naturally become tougher. The field at the Indonesia Masters features several of the world’s top players, and Lakshya will likely face a higher-ranked and more experienced opponent next. However, the way he dismantled Gunawan sends a clear message: he is not just scraping through rounds, but imposing himself with authority.
Lakshya’s physical condition also looked excellent, an important factor in a demanding tournament week. The ease with which he moved around the court and recovered between points indicated that he is well prepared for the longer matches that often come in the later rounds.
As the Indonesia Masters 2026 heads into its decisive phase, Lakshya Sen stands out as one of the in-form contenders. His straight-games demolition of Jason Gunawan was not merely a win; it was a statement of intent. With confidence high and momentum firmly on his side, the Indian star will now look to push even deeper into the tournament and keep his quarterfinal streak alive in Jakarta.
