New Delhi: Lakshya Sen continued his strong run on the international circuit with a commanding victory that sent him into the semifinals of the Kumamoto Masters Japan. The Indian shuttler defeated Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew, a former world champion and current world No. 9, in straight games to secure one of the biggest wins of the tournament.
Seeded seventh, Sen produced a sharp and disciplined performance to prevail 21-13 21-17 in just 40 minutes. The result strengthened his positive record against Loh, marking his seventh win in their 13 encounters. Currently ranked world No. 15, Sen has been in notable form this season, highlighted by his runner-up finish at the Hong Kong Open in September.
The opening game saw both players go neck and neck at 4-4 before Sen shifted gears. He built an 11-8 lead at the interval and then surged ahead with six consecutive points, establishing a decisive advantage that Loh could not overcome.
The second game offered a sterner challenge as Loh stayed level with Sen at 9-9, attempting to reclaim momentum. Sen, however, stepped up once more, pushing ahead to 15-9 with controlled aggression and precise shot-making. Though Loh trimmed the deficit to 17-18 late in the game, Sen maintained composure and closed out the match without allowing any late twists.
Sen will now face Japan’s sixth seed and world No. 13 Kenta Nishimoto in what promises to be a high-intensity semifinal clash.
