Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen ended his title drought by lifting the Super 500 Australian Open, comfortably defeating Japan’s Yushi Tanaka 21-15, 21-11 in one of the most straightforward finals of his career.
After sealing the win, Sen gestured for silence, placing his index fingers in his ears and closing his eyes – a symbolic nod to the intensity of the week he had just navigated.
The title marks Sen’s third Super 500 crown, coming after a previous final appearance in Hong Kong earlier this year, where he fell short.
This week, Sen had already endured closely contested matches, overcoming compatriot Ayush Shetty and veteran Chou Tien Chen, demonstrating both resilience and tactical acumen.
By contrast, the final against Tanaka was far more one-sided. The Japanese shuttler struggled with accuracy and consistency, frequently misfiring on smashes and mishandling delicate shots.
His precision deserted him, and despite being regarded as a domestic powerhouse, Tanaka’s run to the final had been unexpected.
Sen capitalised on his opponent’s errors, keeping the game simple while maintaining near-perfect defence.
The match lasted just 38 minutes, with Tanaka occasionally producing flashes of skill but rarely threatening Sen’s dominance.
The closest Tanaka came to unsettling the Indian was at 15–13 in the opening game, but Sen quickly regained control, varying his placements and collecting points in clusters.
Persistence and Precision
Sen’s hard work since his disappointment at the Paris Olympics last year was evident throughout.
Tanaka’s sporadic back-court drop shots and brief defensive spells could not disrupt Sen’s rhythm, who maintained composure and precision, eventually closing the match comfortably.
Although the win came too late to secure qualification for the World Tour Finals, Sen concluded his international swing on a high note, reinforcing his position among the elite in global badminton.
His triumph at the Australian Open is a testament to his determination, skill, and ability to capitalise on opportunities in high-stakes matches.
Sen’s victory not only ends his title drought but also adds to India’s growing presence on the international badminton stage.
With his third Super 500 title in hand, Sen has once again demonstrated why he remains a key figure in the sport, inspiring young shuttlers and fans alike.
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