India’s Lakshya Sen delivered a masterclass in composure and tactical brilliance to defeat world No. 6 Chou Tien-chen of Chinese Taipei in the men’s singles semifinal of the Hong Kong Open 2025 Super 500 tournament. With a 23-21, 22-20 straight-games victory, Sen has now reached his first major final in nearly two years, setting up a summit clash against China’s Li Shifeng.
The 56-minute thriller at the Hong Kong Coliseum was a test of nerves, endurance, and strategic depth. Sen, currently ranked world No. 20, showcased his trademark resilience and shot-making finesse to outlast the 35-year-old veteran in two tightly contested games.
Match Summary: Lakshya Sen vs Chou Tien-chen
| Match Details | Lakshya Sen vs Chou Tien-chen |
|---|---|
| Tournament | Hong Kong Open 2025 (Super 500) |
| Round | Semifinal |
| Duration | 56 minutes |
| Final Score | 23-21, 22-20 |
| Winner | Lakshya Sen |
| Venue | Hong Kong Coliseum |
| Date | September 13, 2025 |
Sen’s victory was built on a foundation of smart defense, deceptive net play, and relentless pressure. In both games, he overcame deficits and saved multiple game points, sealing the match with net-cord winners that reflected his presence of mind and tactical awareness.
Game Breakdown and Key Moments
In the opening game, Sen raced to a 3-0 lead before Chou equalized at 12-12. The game saw a series of long rallies, including a 51-shot exchange at 19-19, which ended with Chou hitting the net. Sen converted his third game point with a net-cord winner, taking the first game 23-21.
The second game was even more dramatic. Chou led 17-14 and had three game points at 20-17. But Sen mounted a stunning comeback, winning five consecutive points with a mix of drop shots, smashes, and defensive brilliance. He sealed the match with another net-cord finish, sending the crowd into raptures.
| Game | Scoreline | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 23-21 | 51-shot rally at 19-19, net-cord winner |
| 2nd | 22-20 | Saved 3 game points, 5-point comeback |
Lakshya Sen’s Road to the Final
Sen’s path to the final has been marked by consistency and grit. After a fourth-place finish at the Paris Olympics and a Super 300 title at the Syed Modi International in December 2024, this final marks a return to form for the Commonwealth Games champion.
| Lakshya Sen – Hong Kong Open 2025 Journey | |
|---|---|
| Round of 32 | Defeated Kenta Nishimoto (Japan) |
| Round of 16 | Defeated HS Prannoy (India) |
| Quarterfinal | Defeated Loh Kean Yew (Singapore) |
| Semifinal | Defeated Chou Tien-chen (Taipei) |
| Final | To face Li Shifeng (China) |
Sen’s semifinal win also broke a two-year drought of Super 500 final appearances, the last being at the Canada Open in July 2023.
Head-to-Head: Lakshya Sen vs Li Shifeng
Sen will now face world No. 4 Li Shifeng in the final. The two have met 13 times previously, with Sen holding a narrow 7-6 edge. Their rivalry dates back to junior tournaments and has evolved into one of the most competitive matchups in men’s badminton.
| Head-to-Head Record | Lakshya Sen vs Li Shifeng |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 13 |
| Sen Wins | 7 |
| Li Wins | 6 |
| Last Meeting | Syed Modi International 2024 (Sen won) |
The final promises to be a tactical battle, with both players known for their court coverage, deceptive strokes, and mental toughness.
India’s Strong Showing in Hong Kong
Sen’s success is part of a larger Indian resurgence at the Hong Kong Open. The men’s doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty also reached the final, defeating Bing-Wei Lin and Chen Cheng-Kuan of Chinese Taipei 21-17, 21-15. It marks their first final of the season after six semifinal heartbreaks.
| Indian Players in Finals | Event | Opponents |
|---|---|---|
| Lakshya Sen | Men’s Singles | Li Shifeng (China) |
| Satwik-Chirag | Men’s Doubles | Liang Wei Keng/Wang Chang (China) |
The duo will face China’s Olympic silver medallists Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang in the final, adding to India’s medal hopes.
Lakshya Sen’s Career Highlights
Sen’s rise in international badminton has been marked by key milestones:
- Bronze medal at the 2021 World Championships
- Commonwealth Games gold in 2022
- Super 500 title at Canada Open 2023
- Super 300 title at Syed Modi International 2024
| Career Milestone | Year | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| World Championships | 2021 | Bronze Medal |
| Commonwealth Games | 2022 | Gold Medal |
| Canada Open | 2023 | Super 500 Champion |
| Syed Modi International | 2024 | Super 300 Champion |
| Hong Kong Open | 2025 | Finalist |
Sen’s ability to adapt to different playing styles and surfaces has made him one of India’s most promising shuttlers.
Quotes and Reactions
Speaking after the match, Sen said, “It was a very competitive match, and credit to Chou as well. At every point, we went toe to toe. I’m happy with the way I kept my calm in the closing stages. A few lucky net cords as well… a lucky day.”
Coach U Vimal Kumar praised Sen’s mental strength, saying, “Lakshya’s ability to stay composed under pressure is what sets him apart. This win will boost his confidence ahead of the final.”
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Lakshya Sen
Lakshya Sen’s victory over Chou Tien-chen at the Hong Kong Open 2025 is more than just a semifinal win—it’s a statement of intent. With his first major final in two years, Sen has reaffirmed his place among the elite in world badminton. As he prepares to face Li Shifeng in the final, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the Indian star can clinch another prestigious title.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available match reports, tournament data, and verified news sources. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional sports analysis or betting advice. All rankings and schedules are subject to official updates from the Badminton World Federation.
