Lakshya Sen Reaches Japan Masters Final After Three-Game Battle
India’s Lakshya Sen continued his impressive run of form by defeating Indonesia’s Alwi Farhan in the men’s singles semifinals at the Japan Masters. Sen prevailed 21-12, 15-21, 21-11 at Kumamoto Prefectural Gymnasium on Saturday, booking a place in the final after a demanding contest that lasted one hour and nine minutes.
The Indian badminton star will now face Japan’s Koki Watanabe, who delighted the home crowd by producing a major upset in the other semifinal. Watanabe defeated Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn, the silver medallist at the Paris 2024 Olympics, to earn his place in the championship match. The final gives Sen an opportunity to add another title to his season and continue building momentum on the international circuit.
Sen Holds His Nerve in a Decisive Third Game
Sen made a confident start against Farhan, taking the opening game 21-12 with a combination of controlled attacking play and steady defence. He moved Farhan around the court and created opportunities to finish rallies, establishing an early advantage in the semifinal.
Farhan responded strongly in the second game. The Indonesian raised his intensity, found better rhythm in the exchanges and began putting Sen under pressure. Sen could not maintain the same control, and Farhan levelled the match with a 21-15 win, forcing a deciding game.
With the semifinal balanced, Sen delivered a composed performance in the third. He regained command of the rallies, managed the pace more effectively and limited Farhan’s chances to build another comeback. The 21-11 result sealed the match and underlined Sen’s ability to respond after losing a game—a valuable quality in the demanding, best-of-three format of elite badminton.
A Strong Run Through the Japan Masters Draw
Sen’s route to the final has featured a series of assured performances against opponents from across the badminton world. He began his campaign with a 21-19, 21-18 victory over Chinese Taipei’s Chi Yu Jen. The closely contested opening match tested his composure, but Sen closed it out in straight games.
He then produced a dominant display against China’s Dong Tian Yao, winning 21-8, 21-14 in just 35 minutes. Sen maintained that efficiency in the quarterfinals, defeating Japan’s Yushi Tanaka 21-16, 21-15 in less than 39 minutes to reach the last four.
The semifinal against Farhan was a more prolonged test, requiring Sen to adjust after a dip in the second game. That contrast between quick wins and a hard-fought three-game match has given him a varied challenge on the way to the final. It has also demonstrated the fitness, patience and tactical flexibility needed to compete deep into a tournament.
Momentum Builds After a Significant Season Breakthrough
Sen’s progress in Japan follows a notable turnaround after a difficult stretch on the badminton tour. His victory at the Hylo Open in Germany marked his first title of the season and the seventh of his career. In the final, he defeated Indonesia’s defending champion Jonatan Christie 21-17, 21-10, delivering a convincing performance against a high-level opponent.
That title provided a timely boost after a period in which results had not consistently matched Sen’s ambitions. Winning a tournament can restore confidence, but repeating strong performances in the weeks that follow is often an even greater test. His run at the Japan Masters suggests the Hylo Open success has helped him carry belief and competitive sharpness into another demanding event.
Sen withdrew from the Korea Open, making his performances in Japan especially important as he looks to maintain his position in the race for the season-ending BWF World Tour Finals. Qualification depends on results across the tour, so a deep run—and potentially another title—could strengthen his standing. The Japan Masters final therefore offers more than a chance to lift a trophy: it is also an opportunity to collect valuable points and reinforce his late-season momentum.
Final Challenge Against Home Favourite Koki Watanabe
Watanabe will bring the energy of the home crowd into the final after eliminating Vitidsarn, one of the tournament’s most prominent contenders. Beating an Olympic silver medallist is a significant achievement and is likely to give the Japanese player confidence heading into the title match. Sen, meanwhile, will need to prepare for an opponent who has already shown he can handle pressure on home soil.
The final is likely to turn on how well Sen controls the length and tempo of rallies. His Japan Masters campaign has shown that he can attack decisively, defend under pressure and recover after setbacks. Against Watanabe, staying patient while choosing the right moments to accelerate could be crucial.
For Indian badminton fans, Sen’s latest result is an encouraging sign of sustained progress. He has navigated different styles, handled a three-game semifinal and earned another chance to compete for silverware. If he can reproduce the discipline and attacking intent that carried him through the earlier rounds, he will have a strong opportunity to finish his Japan Masters campaign with a second consecutive tournament title.
