India’s Lakshya Sen produced a much-needed return to form at the BWF Japan Open 2025, defeating China’s Wang Zheng Xing 21-11, 21-18 to book his place in the Round of 16.
After a difficult spell marked by first-round exits in four consecutive tournaments, this straight-game victory in Tokyo comes as a timely boost to Sen’s confidence and to the hopes of Indian badminton fans eager to see him rediscover his best.
A Match That Meant More Than Just Progress
The scoreline 21-11, 21-18 tells part of the story. In truth, Wednesday’s performance represented more than just advancing a round: it was about Lakshya Sen showing control, composure, and belief, traits that had seemed to desert him since mid-March.
Facing Wang Zheng Xing, a left-hander from China, Sen looked settled right from the opening exchanges. His sharp net play and trademark precision in cross-court smashes saw him dominate the first game, wrapping it up comfortably at 21-11.
In the second game, Wang mounted a spirited comeback. From 11-17 down, the Chinese shuttler clawed back to within two points at 17-19, briefly threatening to force a decider. But Sen held his nerve, finishing the game 21-18 and sealing his place in the last 16.
Breaking the Slide
Sen’s victory ends a worrying run that had seen him exit early in four successive BWF events. For a player who, not long ago, reached the final of the All England Open and broke into the world’s top 10, the past few months had tested his confidence.
That context makes this win significant. Not just because it keeps his Japan Open campaign alive, but because it shows he can still control matches against tricky opponents. His court coverage, decision-making under pressure, and accuracy in attack all seemed sharper than in recent weeks.
Next: A Tough Test Against Kodai Naraoka
Up next, Sen faces Kodai Naraoka, the talented Japanese player and local favourite. Naraoka, known for his relentless retrieving and stamina, will test Sen’s patience and consistency.
Playing against a home favourite is always tricky, especially in front of a vocal crowd. But if Sen can replicate Wednesday’s form mixing aggression with calm defence he has a real chance to advance further.
Sen and Naraoka have met before, with matches often going the distance. Their contrasting styles Sen’s quick bursts of attack versus Naraoka’s grinding baseline play should make for an intriguing contest.
The Bigger Picture for Indian Badminton
Lakshya’s victory is encouraging for Indian badminton at a time when men’s singles has been looking for renewed momentum. With HS Prannoy and Kidambi Srikanth battling injuries and form, and younger players still gaining experience, Sen remains one of India’s key hopes in major tournaments this season.
This week’s Japan Open, part of the BWF World Tour, is also crucial for ranking points, especially as players look to build towards the Paris 2025 cycle and beyond.
Match Summary: Lakshya vs Wang Zheng Xing
- [R32] Lakshya Sen (IND) d. Wang Zheng Xing (CHN)
Score: 21-11, 21-18 - Duration: ~40 minutes
- Key stats:
- Strong start in first game, led throughout
- Faced a brief challenge late in second game (17-19)
- Regained momentum to close in straight games
Fans’ Reactions: Relief and Hope
Among fans, the reaction was part relief, part cautious optimism:
“Akhirkar his losing streak is broken 🙂. And next is the home favorite if he plays like this, he has a great chance!”
“We aren’t sure if we will see the same Lakshya tomorrow but this is a solid start.”
“Despite Wang Zheng Xing’s mini comeback, Lakshya stayed calm. That’s the Lakshya we know.”
The light-hearted humour reflects the uncertainty that sometimes accompanies young talents but also the faith supporters still have in Sen’s abilities.
For Sen, this result should serve as a reminder: the game is still there; it just needed rhythm and belief. Against Naraoka, he will likely face longer rallies and tactical tests. But with this first hurdle cleared, Sen can focus on playing freely without the burden of recent losses.
If he advances, it could spark a deeper run in Tokyo and potentially reignite a season that had threatened to drift.
Lakshya Sen’s victory over Wang Zheng Xing may read like just another first-round win on paper. But after months of struggle, it represents resilience, patience, and a welcome step back towards his best.
Indian badminton fans will now wait eagerly to see if he can build on this in the Round of 16 against Kodai Naraoka. For now, Sen’s campaign at the Japan Open 2025 is alive and with it, hope for more to come.
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