India’s top men’s singles shuttler Lakshya Sen continued his resurgence on the BWF World Tour with a commanding victory over compatriot Sankar Muthusamy Subramanian to storm into the quarterfinals of the Hylo Open 2025.
The 24-year-old defeated Sankar in straight games, 21-14, 21-11, in just 37 minutes at the Saarlandhalle Arena in Saarbrücken, Germany, to seal his spot among the final eight.
The win, coming on the heels of his impressive triumph over World No. 7 Christo Popov earlier in the week, marks Sen’s first Super 500 quarterfinal appearance in over six months and further strengthens his push toward a return to the top 15 in the BWF rankings.
In an all-Indian Round of 16 clash, Lakshya entered as the clear favourite and lived up to the billing with an assured, all-round performance. From the opening exchanges, the former Commonwealth Games champion dictated tempo with precise control at the net and well-timed smashes that kept Sankar constantly on the move.
Sankar, known for his solid defensive game and retrieval ability, tried to slow down the rallies and drag Sen into extended exchanges. But Lakshya’s variations particularly his flicks and crosscourt angles denied his younger compatriot any rhythm. The first game saw Lakshya break away from 10-all to close out 21-14, sealing it with a series of aggressive forehand winners that left no room for Sankar’s recovery.
The second game followed a similar script. Sen raised his pace, forcing Sankar deeper into the backcourt and exposing gaps in defence. His forehand jump smashes and backhand drives repeatedly caught Sankar off guard, while his improved net play ensured he controlled every rally’s early phase.
The one-sided 21-11 finish underscored Lakshya’s dominance both tactical and physical and his growing confidence as the tournament progresses.
Sen’s latest win builds on the momentum of his opening-round upset over fifth seed Christo Popov, which had already made headlines in Saarbrücken. Against Popov, the Indian showcased the resilience and tactical sharpness that once took him to the All England final in 2022. He recovered from a 17-20 deficit in the second game to save three game points and close out the match 21-16, 22-20.
That victory his first over a top-10 opponent in 2025 proved a timely confidence booster after a patchy season marked by early exits in several Super 500 and 750 events. It also reflected a mental reset: sharper footwork, disciplined shot selection, and a clear sense of tactical purpose.
Against Sankar, Sen looked freer and more assured, playing with rhythm and attacking clarity that had been missing for much of the year. His transition from defence to offence was seamless, his shot quality consistent, and his decision-making unhurried.
For observers, it was a reminder of the Lakshya Sen who burst onto the world scene three years ago fearless, calculating, and relentless.
While the result went decisively in Lakshya’s favour, the match also reflected the promise of Indian badminton’s next generation. Sankar Muthusamy, the 2022 World Junior Championships silver medallist, has been making steady progress on the senior circuit.
Though he couldn’t match Sen’s intensity this time, the 20-year-old’s defensive instincts and patience under pressure remain hallmarks of a player destined for growth.
For Indian badminton, the all-Indian clash was another encouraging sign of depth within the men’s singles setup an area long reliant on the trio of Prannoy, Srikanth, and Sen. With Prannoy sidelined and Srikanth out of form, Sen’s return to winning ways comes at a crucial juncture ahead of the Asian Team Championships and Thomas Cup qualifiers in early 2026.
Next Challenge: Alex Lanier Awaits
Sen now faces Alex Lanier of France in the quarterfinals a matchup that promises both intrigue and contrast. Lanier, 20, is regarded as one of Europe’s brightest young prospects and has been in fine form this season, reaching the semifinals of the Orleans Masters and Dutch Open.
Known for his quick movement and deceptive backhand play, the Frenchman will test Sen’s ability to maintain tempo against a player who thrives on variety.
However, Sen enters the tie as favourite. His sharper attacking rhythm, combined with renewed composure in tight moments, has made him increasingly difficult to contain.
For Sen, this week in Saarbrücken already represents a turning point. After a stretch of indifferent form, his performances at the Hylo Open have rekindled belief and momentum.
The composure he showed in beating Popov and the authority with which he handled Sankar reflect a return to the core strengths that defined his early success clarity, control, and courage under pressure.
Should he sustain this rhythm, a deep run in Germany could propel Sen back into the world’s elite conversation. For now, his eyes are firmly on the next challenge, but his form has already sent a message: Lakshya Sen is back, and he’s once again playing like a contender.
Result: Lakshya Sen (IND) def. Sankar Muthusamy Subramanian (IND) 21-14, 21-11
Next Match: Lakshya Sen vs Alex Lanier (FRA) – Hylo Open 2025 Quarterfinal
