Did Lakshya Sen Shine in the Japan Masters Second Round?
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Synopsis
In a thrilling opening round at the Japan Masters 2025, India's Lakshya Sen showcased his prowess by defeating Koki Watanabe. While other Indian players faced early exits, the competition remains fierce as Lakshya eyes the quarterfinals. Will he continue his winning streak and claim victory?
Key Takeaways
- Lakshya Sen's outstanding performance leads him to the second round.
- Other Indian players faced challenging defeats.
- The mixed doubles pair of Rohan Kapoor and Ruthvika Shivani Gadde fought valiantly but did not advance.
- India aims to strengthen its presence in singles and mixed categories.
- Anticipation builds for Lakshya's next match.
Kumamoto (Japan), Nov 12 (NationPress) India’s Lakshya Sen commenced his Japan Masters 2025 journey on a high note, progressing to the second round of the BWF World Tour Super 500 event with a decisive victory over Japan’s Koki Watanabe in Kumamoto City on Wednesday.
The seventh seed and world No. 15 exhibited dominance throughout the 39-minute encounter, defeating the local favorite and world No. 26 Watanabe with scores of 21-12, 21-16. Displaying exceptional court coverage and skillful net play, Lakshya ensured his opponent never found his rhythm.
The 23-year-old Indian is set to face the victor of the match between Singapore’s Jia Heng Jason Teh and Canada’s Victor Lai, a bronze medallist from the World Championships, for a chance to reach the quarterfinals.
While Lakshya shone, other Indian players faced challenges in the men’s singles draw. Kiran George exited after a narrow loss of 20-22, 10-21 to Malaysia’s Jing Hong Kok, despite a commendable effort in the opening game.
Upcoming talent Ayush Shetty also encountered a formidable opponent, succumbing 16-21, 11-21 to fourth-seeded Japanese player Kodai Naraoka, who controlled the rallies with superior speed and accuracy.
Later in the day, H.S. Prannoy and Tharun Mannepalli were slated to begin their campaigns, as India aimed to bolster its representation in the men’s singles category.
In mixed doubles, the Indian duo of Rohan Kapoor and Ruthvika Shivani Gadde showcased resilience but fell short of advancing to the second round. After saving four match points, they ultimately lost 12-21, 21-19, 20-22 against the American pair of Presley Smith and Jennie Gai in a nail-biting 56-minute match.
Unfortunately, there will be no Indian representatives in the men’s doubles event, as Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy withdrew from the tournament. The combination of Rohan Kapoor and Ruthvika Shivani Gadde remains the nation’s sole contender in the mixed doubles.
Point of View
It's clear that Lakshya Sen's performance stands out among Indian shuttlers. While some faced setbacks, Sen's journey showcases India's potential in badminton. The competition remains tough, but with determination and skill, he could pave the way for future successes. Our commitment is to support and uplift our athletes as they strive for excellence on the international stage.
NationPress
12/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Lakshya Sen defeat in the first round?
Lakshya Sen defeated Japan's Koki Watanabe in straight games.
What was the score of Lakshya Sen's match?
Lakshya Sen won with scores of 21-12, 21-16.
When is Lakshya Sen's next match?
Lakshya Sen will face the winner of the match between Jia Heng Jason Teh and Victor Lai.
Did any other Indian players win their matches?
No, Kiran George and Ayush Shetty both faced defeats in their respective matches.
Who are India's representatives in mixed doubles?
Rohan Kapoor and Ruthvika Shivani Gadde are the only Indian pair competing in mixed doubles.
