Lakshya Sen showcased his adaptability and skill to secure a convincing victory over Ayush Shetty at the India Open Super 750 badminton tournament in New Delhi. The match, held on January 13, 2026, saw Sen win 21-12, 21-15 in just 36 minutes, extending his winning streak against the rising Indian star.
Mastering the Chilly Conditions
Many players struggled with the cold inside the IG Indoor Stadium, but Lakshya Sen handled it expertly. He emphasized the importance of a proper warm-up in Delhi's chilly weather. "It's pretty cold in Delhi, so it was important to get the body warm," Sen said with a laugh after the match. He quickly adjusted to the tricky conditions, where the shuttle moved faster than expected with some sideways drift.
Net Control and Early Dominance
Sen took an early 7-1 lead by controlling the net remarkably well. His deft dribbles and tight crosscourt shots kept Ayush Shetty on the backfoot throughout the first game. Shetty admitted, "I had a pretty bad start, and Lakshya was really controlling the shuttle very well." This net dominance set the tone for the match, making it difficult for Shetty to gain any momentum.
Shetty's Brief Comeback and Sen's Response
In the first game, Shetty managed to win six straight points from 6-17, but it was too late to change the outcome. The second game saw a closer contest initially, with Shetty playing better after the mid-game interval. However, Sen ratcheted up the pace, using powerful crosscourt smashes to target Shetty's backhand. These aggressive moves forced Shetty into difficult dives and retrieves, widening the gap on the scoreboard.
Post-Match Reflections
Ayush Shetty praised Sen's performance, saying, "On his day, he feels invincible." He acknowledged Sen's strong defence, varied attacks, and speed. Despite the loss, Shetty remained optimistic, noting his disappointment but looking forward to another chance at the World Championships in Delhi later this year.
Lakshya Sen discussed the challenges of the second game, where wind conditions made the shuttle faster. "It was important to be very quick on the feet," he explained, highlighting his aggressive approach to counter the conditions.
Looking Ahead to a Tough Challenge
With this win, Sen advances to face Kenta Nishimoto in the next round. Nishimoto, ranked World No. 13 from Japan, has won their last two encounters, both grueling three-game matches lasting over 70 minutes. Known for his dogged defence, Nishimoto poses a significant challenge, requiring Sen to be fully dialled-in from the start to secure a victory.
Sen's strong finish to 2025 and this opening win at the India Open boost his hopes for a deep run in the tournament. Fans will watch closely as he prepares to tackle another formidable opponent in his quest for success.
