Lakshya Sen is chasing his second title of the year at the 2026 Japan Masters. Photo: Badminton Photo/BWF.
\n\nContinuing his recent run of fine form, Lakshya Sen put up a dominant performance in the quarterfinals of the Japan Masters to storm into the semifinals of the Super 500 event with a straight-game win over Japan's Yushi Tanaka.
\n\nLakshya, the eighth seed, needed 40 minutes to wrap up a 21-16, 21-15 win over Tanaka and secure his place in the semifinals. The top-ranked Indian men's singles player will now face Indonesia's rising star Alwi Farhan for a place in the final.
\n\nLakshya, who ended his title drought at the Hylo Open, looked in great touch as he played with composure and precision. While Tanaka briefly managed to challenge the Indian, Lakshya remained unfazed and ensured that he stayed in control of the match.
\n\nIn the opening game, Lakshya took an 11-8 lead at the interval. Tanaka tried to close the gap after the break, but Lakshya kept him in check by raising the intensity of his game and tightening his grip on the proceedings to win the opening game 21-16.
\n\nThe second game was more closely contested in the early exchanges…
Original source: https://www.timesnownews.com/sports
