Lakshya Sen Returns To Winning Ways, Claims Australian Open Super 500 Crown
Lakshya Sen capped his late-season resurgence with a commanding victory at the Super 500 Australian Open in Sydney, ending a long title drought and reminding the badminton world of his sharp instincts and growing composure. The World No. 14 dismantled Japan’s Yushi Tanaka 21–15, 21–11 in a brisk 38-minute final on Sunday, showcasing a level of control that eluded him for much of the year.
What made the triumph even sweeter was the context. Sen arrived in the final after an exhausting 86-minute semi-final battle against second seed Chou Tien Chen — a match in which he survived a near-exit by dragging the contest into a third game with a gritty 24–22 turnaround. That resilience seemed to unlock something within him. Less than 24 hours later, he stepped onto the court with renewed clarity and clean execution.
The only moment of mild suspense came when Tanaka narrowed the gap to 15–13 in the opening game. Sen, however, responded with a burst of quick points, scattering the shuttle smartly across the court and shutting the door on any potential revival. The second game lasted barely long enough for a twist, as Sen raced ahead to complete what was arguably one of his most comfortable finals.
Each match appeared to reinforce the discipline that had occasionally deserted him over the past year. In previous outings, his aggressive instincts would sometimes overflow, costing him control. In Sydney, he seemed to have discovered the right balance — attacking with precision, defending with calm, and resisting the urge to force the pace unnecessarily.
This title is Sen’s third at the Super 500 level and comes after he fell short in the Hong Kong final earlier this year. While it arrives too late to push him into the World Tour Finals, it offers him something arguably more valuable — self-belief at the right time.
With major events like the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games lined up in 2026, Sen’s rediscovered form could not have arrived at a better moment. His climb back towards the world’s top 10 looks well within reach — and perhaps, with renewed belief, even surpassable.
What made the triumph even sweeter was the context. Sen arrived in the final after an exhausting 86-minute semi-final battle against second seed Chou Tien Chen — a match in which he survived a near-exit by dragging the contest into a third game with a gritty 24–22 turnaround. That resilience seemed to unlock something within him. Less than 24 hours later, he stepped onto the court with renewed clarity and clean execution.
A Performance Marked by Clarity and Control
While Tanaka has been labelled a dangerous shot-maker on his day, the Japanese shuttler unravelled under the pressure of the final. Struggling with accuracy and repeatedly misjudging his delicate strokes, he never quite found the rhythm required to trouble Sen. The Indian shuttler, in contrast, relied on simplicity and sharp tactics, letting Tanaka’s errors accumulate while maintaining a firm grip on the rallies.The only moment of mild suspense came when Tanaka narrowed the gap to 15–13 in the opening game. Sen, however, responded with a burst of quick points, scattering the shuttle smartly across the court and shutting the door on any potential revival. The second game lasted barely long enough for a twist, as Sen raced ahead to complete what was arguably one of his most comfortable finals.
A Week that Signalled a Turnaround
Beyond the final, Sen’s entire week in Sydney stood out for its steadiness and discipline. After a three-game effort against Chi Yu Jen in the second round, he overcame fellow Indian Ayush Shetty in a more measured quarter-final. The gruelling semi-final against Chou Tien Chen, however, was the defining moment — a reminder of Sen’s ability to fight through pressure and reclaim momentum even when pushed to the brink.Each match appeared to reinforce the discipline that had occasionally deserted him over the past year. In previous outings, his aggressive instincts would sometimes overflow, costing him control. In Sydney, he seemed to have discovered the right balance — attacking with precision, defending with calm, and resisting the urge to force the pace unnecessarily.
A Celebration Worth the Wait
When the final point dropped, Sen marked the moment with his familiar gesture — index fingers pressed into his ears, signalling his determination to shut out external noise and focus solely on his journey. What followed was a tender celebration with coach Yoo Yong Sung and father D. K. Sen, who warmly lifted his son in a gesture that captured both relief and pride.This title is Sen’s third at the Super 500 level and comes after he fell short in the Hong Kong final earlier this year. While it arrives too late to push him into the World Tour Finals, it offers him something arguably more valuable — self-belief at the right time.
Looking Ahead to a Defining 2026
The 2025 season had been challenging for Sen, who was still healing from the emotional strain of missing an Olympic medal in Paris. Early exits, injury niggles and a loss of rhythm clouded much of his year. But the season’s closing stretch tells a different story: a semi-final at the Japan Masters, a quarter-final run at the Hylo Open, and now a champion’s trophy in Sydney.With major events like the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games lined up in 2026, Sen’s rediscovered form could not have arrived at a better moment. His climb back towards the world’s top 10 looks well within reach — and perhaps, with renewed belief, even surpassable.
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