Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen offered a timely reminder of his quality on Friday as he battled past China’s Zhu Xuan Chen in the quarterfinals of the Macau Open Super 300, booking his first semifinal appearance of the 2025 season.
The match, which lasted 63 minutes, saw Sen prevail 21-14, 18-21, 21-14 in what turned out to be an engaging contest marked by fierce rallies, occasional lapses, and a show of resilience from the 23-year-old Indian.
For Sen, who has had a modest start to the year by his standards, this performance comes as a welcome return to the business end of a tournament. His next challenge will be against Indonesia’s Alwi Farhan in the semifinals a matchup that could test Sen’s renewed confidence and consistency.
A Confident Start
Facing Zhu Xuan Chen, a lower-ranked but hungry Chinese opponent, Sen began the quarterfinal with purpose. His trademark defensive solidity was on display early, frustrating Zhu who struggled to find gaps in Sen’s coverage. The Indian mixed patient clears with sharp net dribbles, forcing errors from Zhu and opening up attacking opportunities.
Sen’s movement looked noticeably freer compared to earlier rounds this season, allowing him to dictate the tempo. He secured the opening game 21-14, finishing strongly to underline his command.
A Stumble and a Response
The second game, however, highlighted why badminton matches often turn on brief moments of momentum. Zhu, sensing the need to step up, began taking more initiative. His pace increased, and he pushed Sen deeper into the backcourt, drawing some rare unforced errors from the Indian.
Sen did have his chances to close the match in straight games, briefly leading mid-game, but Zhu’s relentless attack paid off as he edged ahead to win 21-18 and force a decider.
At that stage, the crowd sensed a tight finish and they weren’t disappointed.
Decider: Steely Resolve
The third game tested Sen’s temperament more than anything. Sen was 10-3 up then Zhu made it 11-9 and Sen was at risk of letting the match slip. Yet, it was here that his composure shone through.
Rather than rushing for winners, Sen tightened his defense, extending rallies and inviting Zhu to go for riskier shots. The approach worked: Zhu’s accuracy dipped, and Sen methodically erased the deficit. Once he levelled, Sen pounced, stringing together a series of points through deft net kills and well-placed smashes.
From 11-9, Sen pulled ahead decisively and never looked back, clinching the game 21-14 to seal the contest.
Signs of Lakshya at His Best
Beyond the scoreline, what stood out was Sen’s body language and tactical discipline. Often known for his defensive brilliance, Sen on Friday balanced defense with offense, choosing his attacking moments well while not abandoning his patient style.
Observers noted his improved court coverage and willingness to engage in longer rallies without looking hurried signs that he might be rediscovering the form that made him one of India’s brightest badminton prospects over the past few years.
Though there were patches of inconsistency, including a phase in the second game with a few rushed errors, Sen’s recovery in the decider suggests growing self-belief.
Looking Ahead: Semifinal vs Alwi Farhan
Sen’s semifinal opponent, Alwi Farhan of Indonesia, is a rising player known for speed and aggressive play. The matchup promises to be a contrast in styles: Farhan’s quickfire attack against Sen’s calculated defense and rally tolerance.
For Sen, the key will likely be to avoid the lapses that allowed Zhu back into the match. If he can sustain the focus and balance displayed in the first and third games of the quarterfinal, Sen will fancy his chances of reaching the final his first title round in what has been a challenging 2025 season.
This semifinal run is significant for Lakshya Sen, who until now hadn’t gone beyond the quarterfinal stage in 2025. It offers a psychological boost and a chance to recalibrate ahead of bigger tournaments later in the year.
As Indian badminton continues its quest for depth and consistency on the global stage, Sen’s return to form at the Macau Open Super 300 is not just encouraging for him personally, but also for fans hoping to see Indian men’s singles contend regularly at top events.
Whether this becomes the start of a larger resurgence remains to be seen, but for now, Lakshya Sen has reminded everyone why he remains one of the country’s finest talents and why every match he plays is worth watching.
Stay tuned for the semifinal clash as Lakshya Sen takes on Indonesia’s Alwi Farhan in Macau.
