Indian badminton star Lakshya Sen has roared back into form, capturing his first title of the season with a commanding victory over Japan’s Yushi Tanaka in the men’s singles final of the $475,000 Australian Open Super 500 held in Sydney on Sunday.
For Lakshya, this triumph marks the end of a challenging phase on the international circuit — a period marked by close finishes, injury struggles, and rebuilding. His last major win had come at the Syed Modi International Super 300 in Lucknow (2024), but a high-tier title had remained just out of reach since the Canada Open earlier that year.
The 23-year-old shuttler came agonisingly close in September 2024, finishing runner-up at the Hong Kong Super 500, a result that hinted at a resurgence but left him hungry for more.
In Sydney, Lakshya showcased the sharp movement, precision, and relentless attack that once made him one of India’s most promising badminton prodigies. From the very first rally, he dictated the pace, forcing errors from Tanaka and keeping the match firmly under his control.
This victory not only restores Lakshya’s confidence but also reaffirms his position among the top global contenders as the badminton season intensifies. Coaches and analysts called the win “a turning point,” signalling that the young champion is ready to reclaim his place at the sport’s highest level.
