Lakshya Sen Reaches Japan Masters Semifinals with Straight-Games Win
India’s Lakshya Sen continued his strong run at the Japan Masters, defeating home favourite Yushi Tanaka in straight games to reach the men’s singles semifinals. The eighth-seeded shuttler secured a 21-16, 21-15 victory in 40 minutes on Friday, keeping his campaign firmly on track at the badminton tournament.
Sen will next face Indonesia’s Alwi Farhan, with a place in the final at stake. The matchup presents another demanding test for the Indian, who has looked composed and increasingly assured through the opening rounds. Against Tanaka, Sen had to manage both the pressure of playing a Japanese opponent on home soil and several spells of resistance from the local shuttler.
Sen Controls the Key Moments Against Tanaka
The opening game was competitive from the outset, with Sen building an 11-8 advantage by the interval. Tanaka responded after the break and briefly threatened to narrow the gap, but Sen stayed patient rather than rushing to finish points. He raised his intensity at the right moment, used his attacking opportunities effectively and closed out the game 21-16.
That late push proved important. In a close badminton match, a narrow lead can quickly disappear if a player loses control of the rally or gives away inexpensive points. Sen’s ability to absorb Tanaka’s comeback attempt and then reassert himself helped establish the pattern for the rest of the contest.
The second game began on more even terms, with the players level at 4-4. Sen gradually gained the upper hand, reaching the interval with an 11-9 lead. Tanaka continued to compete, but the Indian maintained his advantage through the closing stages and sealed the match 21-15.
Sen’s straight-games win reflected more than a strong start. He managed the pace of the contest, stayed composed when Tanaka applied pressure and finished both games without allowing the match to stretch into a decider. That efficiency can be valuable in a demanding tournament schedule, where players often have limited time to recover between rounds.
A Confident Run Through the Japan Masters Draw
The victory over Tanaka extended an encouraging sequence for Sen at the Japan Masters. He began his campaign with a 21-19, 21-18 win over Chinese Taipei’s Chi Yu Jen. That opening match required patience, as both games were closely fought and Sen had to stay focused through the closing points.
He followed it with a more decisive performance against China’s Dong Tian Yao, winning 21-8, 21-14 in just 35 minutes. The result showed how effectively Sen can take control when he finds his rhythm early. His quarterfinal against Tanaka demanded a different approach: the Japanese player offered more resistance, requiring Sen to balance aggression with careful shot selection.
Together, the three wins highlight the range Sen has brought to his badminton campaign. He has shown he can grind through tight passages, accelerate when openings appear and maintain control against opponents who try to disrupt his rhythm. Those qualities will be tested again in the semifinals, where the stakes rise and each tactical adjustment can have a significant impact.
Semifinal Challenge Against Indonesia’s Alwi Farhan
Sen’s next opponent, Alwi Farhan of Indonesia, will provide a fresh challenge as the Indian seeks to move one step closer to the Japan Masters title. The semifinal is expected to demand sustained concentration, particularly in the longer rallies and at the crucial points late in each game.
For Sen, the priority will be to carry forward the discipline he showed against Tanaka. A strong start could help him establish control, but he will also need to remain flexible if Farhan changes the tempo or attempts to draw him into extended exchanges. Sen’s ability to defend patiently before choosing the right moment to attack may prove central to the contest.
Reaching the last four is an important milestone, but Sen’s progress has also been marked by the manner of his performances. He has navigated different styles across the draw and has not needed a deciding game to reach the semifinals. That combination of consistency and energy gives him a solid platform as he prepares for the next round.
Kidambi Srikanth Exits in the Quarterfinals
Earlier on Friday, India’s Kidambi Srikanth was eliminated from the men’s singles quarterfinals. He lost 22-24, 15-21 to Japan’s Koki Watanabe after a closely contested opening game. Srikanth came close to taking the first game, but Watanabe edged ahead at the decisive stage before carrying his momentum into the second.
The result ended Srikanth’s run at the tournament, while Sen’s victory ensured India remained represented in the men’s singles semifinals. For Indian badminton supporters, the contrasting outcomes made Friday a significant day at the Japan Masters: one campaign concluded, while another moved into the final four.
Sen now has an opportunity to build on his steady progress and challenge for a place in the championship match. His win over Tanaka demonstrated composure under pressure and a strong sense of timing—qualities he will need once again against Farhan. With the semifinal ahead, the Indian shuttler’s focus will be on maintaining his rhythm, limiting errors and making the most of the attacking chances that come his way.
