Lakshya Sen Saves Three Match Points, Outlasts Chou Tien Chen to Enter Australia Open Final

Lakshya Sen’s 2025 season found another high as the Indian shuttler produced one of his finest career comebacks to reach the final of the Australia Open Super 500 in Sydney.

In an 86-minute thriller that lived up to every expectation of the Lakshya Sen–Chou Tien Chen rivalry, the 23-year-old Indian defeated the World No. 6 Taiwanese star 17-21, 24-22, 21-16 to storm into his second final of the year. It was a match that swung dramatically in quality, intensity and momentum, and one that showcased Lakshya’s growing maturity in tight situations something he has been working toward since a difficult first half of the 2025 season. Against an opponent known for his physicality, pace, and unrelenting resistance, Lakshya stayed composed when it mattered most.

The opening game reflected the familiar pattern of their contests Chou came out with heavy smashes, quick recovery and aggressive mid-court interceptions. Lakshya tried to control the front court exchanges but Chou’s consistency in the longer rallies gave him the edge. Despite keeping the margin close, Lakshya conceded the first game 17-21, unable to convert the handful of opportunities he created late in the game.

Yet, there was no sign of frustration or drop in intensity. Lakshya walked into the second game with clarity, slowing the pace, engaging Chou in more controlled rallies, and cleverly using the drift to vary his clears. For much of the game, the two stayed level, trading points with minimal separation.

The Game That Changed Everything

The second game will likely be remembered as one of Lakshya Sen’s great escapes. From 18-20 down, with Chou having three match points across the next few rallies, Lakshya refused to give in. His defence held firm, his counter-attacking lifts forced Chou deeper, and his touch at the net suddenly tightened. Each match point saved brought more belief, and when he finally took the game 24-22, the Sydney crowd erupted.

Momentum shifted unmistakably. Lakshya’s celebration was muted just a fist pump but it was clear he knew he had cracked the match open.

The third game was all about control. Chou, who had come through a draining comeback win over Alwi Farhan in the quarterfinals, began to show signs of fatigue. Lakshya seized the moment, increasing his pace at the net and forcing Chou into awkward positions. The Indian led throughout the decider, occasionally threatened but never overtaken. At 19-16, he played one of the points of the match defending two heavy smashes and turning the rally around with a disguised push to the backhand corner. When the final point was won, Lakshya let out a roar that reflected the journey: a game down, three match points saved, and a comeback forged through grit and clarity.

A Rivalry That Delivers Every Time

Lakshya Sen vs Chou Tien Chen has always been an entertaining match-up. Their contrasting styles Lakshya’s touch and deception versus Chou’s power and endurance create rallies that test tactical awareness and physical thresholds. Saturday’s semifinal added another chapter, arguably the most dramatic yet.

Chou came in high on confidence after his own escape in the quarterfinals, where he overturned a 15-20 deficit against Indonesia’s Alwi Farhan. Lakshya, meanwhile, had beaten compatriot Ayush Shetty in straight games. Both arrived sharp, well-prepared, and hungry and it showed.

This performance carries significance beyond just reaching a final. Lakshya’s first half of the year was marked by inconsistency, early exits, and confidence dips. Since the World Championships, however, he has looked calmer, more patient, and more willing to grind out long matches. Saturday’s win, lasting 86 minutes, is evidence of his revived physical preparation and tactical growth. Reaching his second final of the season is an important marker of where he stands heading into the closing stretch of 2025. He has been digging deeper at key moments something he struggled with earlier in the year and today’s comeback will only reinforce his belief.

The Final Awaits

Lakshya will now face either Lin Chun Yi or Japan’s Yushi Tanaka in the final. Both players are in strong form, but the Indian, after a match like this, will walk in with momentum and confidence. More importantly, he has shown he can survive tough situations and still finish strong.

Sydney witnessed a classic on Saturday. Lakshya Sen didn’t just win a semifinal he delivered a masterclass in resilience, patience, and sheer fighting spirit.

Now, one win stands between him and the Australia Open title.