India’s Lakshya Sen kept his title hopes alive at the BWF Macau Open Super 300, overcoming Indonesia’s Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo in a fiercely contested Round of 16 encounter.
The World No. 2 seed came through 21-14, 14-21, 21-17 in just over an hour, securing a spot in the quarterfinals of the tournament and giving Indian fans fresh cause for optimism.
It was a match that showcased Lakshya’s resilience, shot selection and mental strength, as he recovered from losing the second game to finish strongly in the decider.
A controlled start
Lakshya began the first game with composure, showing sharp movement and precise placement that unsettled Wardoyo. Mixing smashes with well-disguised drops, Lakshya built an early lead and kept the pressure on the Indonesian, who struggled to find rhythm.
At 11-7 in the mid-game interval, Lakshya looked comfortable, and after play resumed, he pushed ahead to seal the first game 21-14. His net play, in particular, was effective, forcing Wardoyo to lift the shuttle and opening opportunities for decisive attacking shots.
Wardoyo’s fightback in the second game
The second game saw a momentum shift as Wardoyo increased his aggression and cut down on unforced errors. Lakshya found himself trailing in the early exchanges, and although he attempted to claw back, Wardoyo’s sharper attack and tactical lifts to the backcourt kept the Indian at bay.
Despite Lakshya saving a couple of points late in the game, Wardoyo took it 21-14, pushing the contest into a decider.
Sealing it in the decider
The deciding game began tensely, with both players exchanging points and refusing to yield ground. At 11-9 in the mid-game interval, Lakshya led narrowly, but Wardoyo stayed close, capitalising on a couple of defensive lapses from the Indian.
However, as the game moved past the interval, Lakshya tightened his defence and began dictating rallies again. A key moment came when, at 17-16, Lakshya played a perfectly timed cross-court drop, drawing applause from the crowd and shifting momentum back in his favour. From there, he closed out the match 21-17, punching his ticket to the quarterfinals.
Match summary:
| Player | Game 1 | Game 2 | Game 3 | Result |
| Lakshya Sen (IND) | 21 | 14 | 21 | Won |
| Chico Dwi Wardoyo (INA) | 14 | 21 | 17 | Lost |
Draw opens up as top seeds exit
Lakshya Sen entered the Macau Open as the No. 2 seed, but the competition has seen notable early exits: the top seed and seeds 3 and 4 have all been knocked out before the quarterfinals. This unexpected shake-up leaves Lakshya as the highest remaining seed in the draw and arguably the favourite to claim the title.
Such developments add both opportunity and pressure. While the draw appears more open, Lakshya must stay focused to avoid surprises from lower-ranked opponents hungry to cause an upset.
Next up: a test against Marcellyno or Zhu
In the quarterfinal, Lakshya will face China’s Zhu Xuan Chen. Zhu is an emerging talent known for fast, attacking badminton.
Lakshya’s defensive solidity and experience on the BWF circuit could prove decisive, but he’ll need to maintain consistency especially after the mid-match dip seen today.
The Macau Open is more than just another Super 300 event for Lakshya. Coming after a season marked by mixed results, this tournament offers a chance to gain BWF World Tour points, boost his confidence, and sharpen his game ahead of higher-tier events later in the year.
Lakshya’s path on the circuit in 2025 has featured flashes of brilliance, including victories over higher-ranked players, but also some early exits. His coach and team have emphasised building stamina for back-to-back tournaments and improving decision-making in critical points something evident in how he handled the closing stages today.
What this means for Indian badminton
Lakshya Sen’s progress comes at a time when Indian men’s singles is searching for consistent deep runs in international tournaments. While India remains strong in doubles and women’s singles, a Super 300 title for Lakshya would offer a timely boost to the men’s singles narrative and inspire younger players coming through domestic circuits.
The Macau Open draw now presents a real opportunity: if Lakshya continues his form, he could realistically reach the final and even target the title something that would not only help his ranking but also reinforce his status among the world’s top ten.
Key takeaways:
- Lakshya Sen beats Wardoyo in a three-game battle: 21-14, 14-21, 21-17.
- Advances to the quarterfinals of the BWF Macau Open Super 300.
- Remains the highest seed left after early exits of seeds 1, 3, and 4.
- Next faces Zhu Xuan Chen (CHN).
- A golden chance to add another BWF title to his resume.
As the tournament heads into the quarterfinals, all eyes will be on Lakshya Sen to see if he can seize this opportunity, stay composed, and push for his first title of the year. With the draw now wide open, Macau might just become the place where Lakshya’s 2025 season finds its defining moment.
