Lakshya Sen delivered a statement performance on home soil as he surged into the quarterfinals of the BWF India Open Super 750, defeating Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto in straight games at the Indira Gandhi Stadium.
In a high-quality Round of 16 encounter between two evenly matched top-15 players, Sen prevailed 21-19, 21-10 to become the first Indian men’s singles player to reach the quarterfinal stage of this year’s tournament. Playing in front of a supportive Delhi crowd, the Indian shuttler combined composure, tactical clarity, and physical sharpness to register one of his most convincing wins of the season. While the second game turned into a one-sided affair, it was Sen’s remarkable comeback in the opening game that defined the match and tilted momentum decisively in his favor.
First Game: Calm Under Pressure
The opening game unfolded exactly as expected between two players known for their consistency and rally tolerance. Nishimoto, ranked World No. 14, settled into the match quickly, using his trademark flat exchanges and deep clears to push Sen behind the baseline. The Japanese shuttler gradually built a lead, moving ahead 11-6 at the mid-game interval and later extending it to 16-11.
Even at 18-14, Nishimoto appeared in control, forcing Sen to defend for long stretches. However, the Indian ace refused to panic. Instead, Sen slowed the pace, tightened his net play, and began to vary his attack more intelligently. By targeting Nishimoto’s backhand corner and mixing steep smashes with soft drops, Sen disrupted the Japanese player’s rhythm.
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From 14-18 down, Sen produced a stunning run of points, winning seven of the next eight rallies to snatch the game 21-19. The turnaround was built on patience as much as aggression, with Sen choosing his moments carefully rather than forcing winners. That sequence not only swung the game but also visibly dented Nishimoto’s confidence.
The momentum shift from the first game carried seamlessly into the second. Sen looked increasingly assured, moving more freely around the court and dictating rallies from the outset. Nishimoto, by contrast, struggled to regain his earlier precision and began to leak unforced errors under sustained pressure. Sen raced to an early lead and never allowed his opponent back into contention. His defensive solidity stood out, absorbing Nishimoto’s attacks and turning defence into offence with ease. At the net, Sen was sharper, while from the backcourt he found angles consistently, forcing Nishimoto into hurried responses.
The second game was wrapped up 21-10 in just under 20 minutes, sealing the match in 49 minutes overall. It was a comprehensive finish that underlined Sen’s growing authority in the contest and his comfort playing under the spotlight of a home Super 750 event.
Quarterfinal Test Ahead
With this win, Lakshya Sen has booked a quarterfinal clash against Chinese Taipei’s Lin Chun Yi. Lin has been one of the more consistent performers on the BWF World Tour this season, and the matchup promises to be a stern examination of Sen’s form and endurance. However, given the confidence Sen displayed against Nishimoto, the Indian will enter the quarterfinal believing he can push deeper into the tournament.
The result also carries ranking significance. Sen, who came into the tournament as World No. 13, is set to rise to World No. 11 following his quarterfinal entry, strengthening his position among the world’s elite men’s singles players.
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While Sen’s victory was the standout result for the hosts, it was a mixed day for India in men’s singles. Former World No. 1 Kidambi Srikanth bowed out after a closely contested three-game battle against France’s Christo Popov, the reigning World Tour Finals champion. Srikanth went down 14-21, 21-17, 17-21, showing flashes of his old form but falling just short in the decider.
HS Prannoy’s campaign also ended in the Round of 16 as he lost to Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew, the former world champion. Prannoy started strongly to take the first game 21-18, but Loh raised his level in the latter stages to close out the match 18-21, 21-19, 21-14, underlining his big-match pedigree.
For Lakshya Sen, this performance comes at a crucial stage of his season. After an inconsistent run on the tour in recent months, the India Open has provided him with an opportunity to rediscover rhythm and confidence in familiar conditions. His ability to stay composed under pressure, particularly in the opening game against Nishimoto, will be a major positive as the tournament enters its business end.
As India’s lone representative in the men’s singles quarterfinals, Sen now carries the hopes of the home crowd. If he can replicate the balance of patience and aggression shown in this Round of 16 victory, a deeper run at the India Open is well within reach.
