Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen showcased commanding form as he secured a straight-games victory over former world champion Loh Kean Yew of Singapore to reach the semifinals of the Kumamoto Masters Japan 2025.The seventh-seeded player dominated the match 21-13, 21-17 in just 40 minutes, extending his head-to-head lead over Loh to 7-6.Sen took early control, building a lead of 11-8 at the interval and stretching it to 18-9 in the first game before sealing it comfortably.
Despite Loh’s improved resistance in the second game, the Indian surged ahead with a crucial six-point streak that gave him the upper hand. Loh attempted to stage a comeback but ultimately fell short as Sen maintained his composure to close out the match.
Sen’s tactical awareness, relentless pace, and ability to build early leads were key factors in his victory. He will next face Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto in a high-stakes semifinal clash.
This win further cements Sen’s position as a rising star in world badminton, coming off a strong season highlighted by a runner-up finish at the Hong Kong Open.