PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen Secure Quarterfinal Spots at Indonesia Masters
In a day of mixed fortunes for Indian badminton, star shuttlers PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen have successfully advanced to the quarterfinals of the Indonesia Masters Super 500 tournament in Jakarta. Their victories on Thursday were achieved in straight games, showcasing strong performances. However, the day also saw defeats for other Indian contenders, including Srikanth Kidambi, Anmol Kharb, and the doubles pair Hariharan Amsakarunan-MR Arjun.
Sindhu's Milestone Win and Upcoming Challenge
PV Sindhu marked a significant achievement by securing her 500th career singles win with a hard-fought victory over Denmark's Line Hojmark Kjaersfeldt. The match ended 21-19, 21-18 in 43 minutes, highlighting Sindhu's resilience and tactical prowess. According to Badminton Ranks, this milestone makes her the sixth women's singles player globally and the first Indian to reach this feat, underscoring her enduring impact on the sport.
The match saw Sindhu take an early lead in the first game, maintaining control despite Kjaersfeldt's attempts to rally. In the second game, after trailing 7-9, Sindhu demonstrated remarkable bouncebackability by winning seven consecutive points, ultimately sealing the win. This victory sets up a highly anticipated quarterfinal clash against top seed and World No. 4 Chen Yufei, a rivalry that dates back to 2015.
Historically, Sindhu has had the upper hand in their early meetings, but Chen has won their last four encounters. Notably, three of those losses for Sindhu were in marathon matches, indicating her ability to compete closely but falter in the endgame. As Sindhu enters this match in a rejuvenated and fitter form in 2026, fans are eager to see if she can reverse this trend in their 14th meeting at the iconic Istora Senayan.
Lakshya Sen's Dominant Performance
In the men's singles category, Lakshya Sen delivered a near-flawless performance against Hong Kong China's Jason Gunawan, winning 21-10, 21-11 in just 33 minutes. Lakshya's speed and control of the mid-court left Gunawan with few answers, showcasing the Indian's growing prowess on the international stage. This win propels him into the quarterfinals, where he will face Panitchaphon Teeraratsakul, a 21-year-old Thai left-hander and 2022 World Junior Championships bronze medallist. Lakshya holds a 1-0 head-to-head advantage in this matchup, adding confidence to his campaign.
Disappointments for Other Indian Shuttlers
The day was not without setbacks for the Indian contingent. Rising star Anmol Kharb missed a golden opportunity to upset former World Champion Nozomi Okuhara, losing 21-16, 14-21, 11-21. After a promising start, Kharb struggled with consistency, allowing Okuhara to capitalize on unforced errors. In the decider, Kharb briefly closed the gap to 10-12 but faltered in the final stretch, highlighting areas for improvement in high-pressure situations.
In other matches, Srikanth Kidambi was outplayed by fellow veteran Chou Tien Chen, losing 11-21, 10-21 in 32 minutes. The men's doubles pair Hariharan Amsakarunan-MR Arjun also faced defeat, falling to third seeds Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Win with a score of 21-17, 9-21, 21-16. These results underscore the competitive nature of the tournament and the challenges faced by Indian players beyond the top seeds.
Looking Ahead
As the Indonesia Masters progresses, all eyes will be on PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen as they aim to advance further in their respective draws. Sindhu's quarterfinal against Chen Yufei promises to be a thrilling encounter, potentially shaping her season ahead. Meanwhile, Lakshya's consistent form positions him as a strong contender in the men's singles bracket. The tournament continues to highlight the depth and talent in Indian badminton, with both successes and learning experiences contributing to the sport's growth in the country.
