Lakshya Sen Reflects on Narrow Loss at Indian Open Quarterfinals

In a gripping quarterfinal match at the Indian Open, Lakshya Sen faced a tough defeat against Lin Chun-Yi. Reflecting on the match, Sen emphasized the need for a more clinical approach and praised his opponent's performance. Despite winning the first game, Sen struggled after the side change, ultimately losing in three games. He plans to analyze the match with his coaches and is set to face Victor Lai of Canada in his next challenge. Read on for a detailed account of the match and Sen's insights.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 17, 2026, 02:17 IST

Lakshya Sen's Quarterfinal Challenge

New Delhi, January 16: Following a tough loss to Lin Chun-Yi in the men's quarterfinals of the Indian Open, shuttler Lakshya Sen expressed the need for a more precise approach against his rival.

"The match was filled with pressure, as both of us aimed to maintain an aggressive playstyle. It was a close contest, and I needed to finish stronger. I believe I could have been a bit more precise," Sen shared with the media.

Sen acknowledged Lin's impressive performance under challenging conditions.

"I plan to review the match with my coaches. Lin played exceptionally well today, and I commend him for that. Both of us were on the offensive, but he managed to execute his strategy better in the end. I’m focusing on my game, understanding that not every tournament unfolds as expected," Sen added.

Despite keeping up with Lin until the final moments, Sen ultimately lost in three games, concluding his run in the India Open 2026 at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.

Sen initially took the lead against Lin but faltered after switching sides, losing 17-21, 21-13, 21-18 in the men's singles quarterfinals. Entering the match, Sen had a 0-4 record against Lin, highlighting the need for peak performance against the agile left-handed player.

His strategy involved keeping Lin close to the net during the first game, which proved effective as Sen surged ahead after the mid-game break. However, after the side change, his lifts became too long, allowing Lin to capitalize on shorter shots and force a decisive game.

In the final game, Sen started strong, winning the first four points, but Lin quickly regained control, dominating the net exchanges. After the change of ends, Lin scored six consecutive points to take an 18-15 lead.

Sen managed to equalize at 18-18, but Lin accelerated his play, employing an aggressive strategy to secure victory after an hour and eight minutes of intense competition.

Next, Sen will compete against Victor Lai of Canada, the 2025 World Championships bronze medallist, who triumphed over Chi Yu Jen from Chinese Taipei with scores of 21-18, 17-21, 21-15.