India’s Lakshya Sen overcame Japan’s Yushi Tanaka 22–20, 15–21, 21–14 in the men’s singles Round of 32 at the Japan Open 2026 on 14 July 2026. Sen held off a spirited challenge from the home player, recovering after dropping the second game to secure a place in the Round of 16 of the BWF Super 750 tournament.
The opening game was a tightly contested affair, with both players exchanging points throughout. Neither shuttler managed to establish a clear advantage before Sen displayed excellent composure in the closing rallies, edging the game 22–20 to take an early lead.
Tanaka responded strongly in the second game, using the support of the home crowd to raise his intensity. The Japanese shuttler controlled the rallies more effectively and capitalized on key opportunities to level the match with a 21–15 victory, forcing a deciding game.
With a place in the next round at stake, Sen regained his rhythm in the third game. The Indian star produced a disciplined all-round display, combining aggressive attacking play with solid defensive coverage to gradually pull away. He maintained his advantage through the closing stages, sealing the decider 21–14 to complete a hard-earned victory.
Standout Performances
- Lakshya Sen (India): Defeated Yushi Tanaka 22–20, 15–21, 21–14.
- Yushi Tanaka (Japan): Forced a deciding game after winning the second game.
- Round: Men’s Singles Round of 32.
- Result: Lakshya Sen advanced to the Round of 16.
The opening game proved pivotal as Sen edged a tense finish 22–20. After Tanaka forced a decider, the Indian shuttler responded with an impressive final game, controlling the rallies to secure victory.
Match Statistics
- Tournament: Japan Open 2026
- Category: Men’s Singles
- Round: Round of 32
- Date: 14 July 2026
- Venue: Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, Tokyo, Japan
- Winner: Lakshya Sen (India)
- Runner-up: Yushi Tanaka (Japan)
- Final Score: 22–20, 15–21, 21–14
- Result: Lakshya Sen advanced to the Round of 16.