Daijiworld Media Network - Melbourne

Melbourne, Nov 22: Star Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen showcased remarkable resilience to enter the men’s singles final of the Australian Open Super 500, overcoming world No. 6 Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei in a pulsating three-game semifinal on Saturday. The 24-year-old former World Championships bronze medallist recovered from a first-game setback to triumph 17-21, 24-22, 21-16 in 86 minutes.

Sen, who reached the Hong Kong Open final earlier this year but is yet to claim a title in 2025, will face either Japan’s Yushi Tanaka or Chinese Taipei’s fifth seed Lin Chun-Yi in Sunday’s final.

Match recap:

Chou Tien Chen started strong, dominating the rallies with precise shot-making and racing to an 11-6 lead at mid-game. Aggressive backcourt attacks gave Chen a 14-7 advantage, and despite Lakshya’s timely smashes, the opener slipped away 21-17.

The second game saw both players trade points in a tense battle. Lakshya’s defensive resilience and tactical net play allowed him to edge Chen 24-22, saving multiple game points along the way. An intense 44-shot rally and several nail-biting exchanges showcased the Indian’s composure under pressure.

In the decider, the age difference seemed to favour the fresher 24-year-old Lakshya. He raced to a 6-1 lead and maintained control throughout. With improved length, sharper net play, and superior reading of Chen’s game, Lakshya surged ahead 14-7, eventually sealing victory with a cross-court smash after eight match points.

The win marks another significant milestone for Lakshya Sen, who continues to assert himself as one of India’s top shuttlers on the international stage.