Lakshya Sen storms into Japan Masters quarterfinals with straight-games win
Indian badminton star Lakshya Sen continued his impressive late-season resurgence on Thursday, defeating China’s Dong Tian Yao 21-8, 21-14 to reach the quarterfinals of the Japan Masters 2026. The victory extended Sen’s winning momentum after his recent title-winning run in Germany and kept his campaign in Japan firmly on track.
Ranked 32 places above Tian Yao, Sen showed the difference in experience and current form from the opening rally. He controlled the pace, moved his opponent around the court and made the most of his attacking opportunities, wrapping up the match in straight games. The result also underlined how quickly the Indian has regained confidence after a challenging period on the badminton circuit.
Fast start puts Sen in command
Sen made an emphatic start to the first game, stringing together eight consecutive points to seize control. His sharp movement and accurate shot placement left Tian Yao struggling to settle into the contest. Sen built a substantial lead before closing out the game 21-8 in just 13 minutes.
The opening game was a clear display of the Indian’s ability to turn pressure into momentum. Rather than allowing his opponent time to find a rhythm, Sen kept the rallies on his terms, varying his pace and forcing Tian Yao to defend. The quick finish also gave the Indian a valuable advantage as he looked to complete the match without allowing the contest to become prolonged.
Chinese opponent threatens a response, but Sen pulls away
Tian Yao showed greater resistance in the second game and briefly looked more settled. He stayed within reach early on, with Sen leading 6-4, but the Indian responded decisively. A run of six consecutive points pushed Sen ahead 12-6 and restored his control of the match.
From there, Sen maintained his composure and protected his advantage. Tian Yao was unable to produce a sustained comeback, while the Indian continued to find openings with well-timed attacks and controlled placement. Sen eventually sealed the game 21-14, completing a convincing win and booking his place in the last eight.
The scoreline reflected Sen’s authority, but the second game also offered a useful test. When Tian Yao attempted to change the rhythm, Sen did not rush or lose focus. His ability to answer that challenge with a decisive scoring burst was a key feature of the performance.
Japan Masters run follows breakthrough title in Germany
Sen arrived in Japan with renewed confidence after winning the Hylo Open in Germany. On his way to that title, he defeated Indonesia’s defending champion Jonatan Christie 21-17, 21-10 in the final. The victory marked Sen’s first title of the season and the seventh of his career, providing a significant boost after a difficult stretch on tour.
His campaign in Japan began with a composed win over Chinese Taipei’s Chi Yu Jen. Sen took that round-of-32 match 21-19, 21-18, navigating two closely contested games to advance. Against Tian Yao, he followed up that steady opening-round performance with a more commanding display, suggesting that his confidence is continuing to grow as the tournament progresses.
The run is especially encouraging because Sen had withdrawn from the Korea Open before travelling to Japan. His performances at the Hylo Open and Japan Masters have since put the focus back on his form, fitness and ability to compete consistently against strong international opposition.
Season-ending qualification remains a target
With the badminton season approaching its conclusion, every result can carry added importance for players chasing a place at the BWF Tour Finals. Sen’s title in Germany and quarterfinal appearance in Japan strengthen his position in that race, although the remaining tournaments will be crucial in determining the final qualification picture.
For Sen, the immediate priority will be maintaining the level he has shown over the past two weeks. The Japan Masters offers an opportunity to build on his recent success against a competitive field, while another deep run would further reinforce the sense that he has turned a corner after a challenging period.
Potential quarterfinal test awaits
Sen could face fourth seed Victor Lai of Canada in the quarterfinals, provided Lai first gets past Japan’s Yushi Tanaka. A meeting with Lai would present a different challenge from the one posed by Tian Yao, and Sen would need to remain alert to changes in pace and tactics. The Indian’s strong start in his round-of-16 match, however, gives him a solid platform heading into the next stage.
Sen will also be seeking to improve on his performance at last year’s Japan Masters. He reached the semifinals in 2025 before losing to home favourite Kenta Nishimoto. Reaching the quarterfinals again keeps that opportunity alive, and a place in the semifinals would represent another step forward at a tournament where he has already shown he can contend deep into the draw.
For now, Sen’s straight-games win over Tian Yao is another encouraging sign in an increasingly positive run of results. His recent badminton has combined aggressive scoring with improved control under pressure, and the challenge will be to carry that balance into the quarterfinals. After claiming his first title of the season in Germany, the Indian is now aiming to turn his Japan Masters momentum into another strong finish.
