Lakshya Sen follows PV Sindhu from Singapore Open, falls in quarters

Lakshya Sen appeared to run out of breath in the closing stages of his quarter-final clash against Japan’s Koki Watanabe, crashing out of the Singapore Open after a hard-fought three-match battle. The Indian shuttler lost 21-19, 15-21, 21-15 in a physically draining match that eventually decided on persistence.

Singapore Open : Highlights

His exit marked India’s second major setback at the BWF Super 750 event after PV Sindhu’s straight games defeat to world number one An Se Young in the women’s singles quarterfinals.

Despite the singles disappointment, India still had positives to celebrate in the doubles categories as Satwiksiraj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty stormed into the semi-finals, while the mixed pair of Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto also continued their strong run.

THE DECIDER HAS RUN OUT OF STEAM

The Lakshya vs. Watanabe quarter-final started as a hard-fought battle, with both players exchanging long passes and testing each other’s defensive resilience. The opening game was evenly matched, but Watanabe was able to come out on top at crucial moments to lead 21-19.

The Indian shuttler responded strongly in the second game, showing sharper intent and better control of rallies. Lakshya began to dictate terms, creating several chances and even scoring as many as five game points at one stage. He eventually closed out the set at 21-15 to tie the match and force a decider.

However, in the third game, the dynamic changed as fatigue began to set in. Watanabe adopted a patient strategy based on persistence, prolonging rallies and forcing Lakshya to make repeated moves around the court. The tactic gradually paid off as the Japanese shuttle pulled forward.

Lakshya’s physical struggle became more apparent as the referee progressed, with the Indian requiring medical attention for leg discomfort. Despite trying to fight back and reduce the deficit, he was unable to maintain the intensity needed to close the gap.

Watanabe steadily built a five-point lead and eventually won six match points. In the third game, he sealed the match 21-15 and secured his place in the semi-finals after a grueling 2-1 win.

MIXED LUCK

While Lakshya’s exit was a setback, India’s performances in the doubles offered encouragement. Men’s couple Satwiksiraj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty continued their strong formwho confidently progressed to the semi-finals.

In the mixed doubles, Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto also advanced after their opponents, reigning world champions Chen Ten Jie and Toh Ee Wei withdrew midway through the match, keeping India’s hopes alive in the tournament.

Earlier, PV Sindhu’s quarter-final defeat to An Se Young ended India’s challenge in the women’s singles. With Lakshya retiring soon after, India’s focus now shifts firmly to the doubles campaign where medal hopes remain intact.

– The end

Published on:

May 29, 2026 6:21 PM IST