Lakshya Sen (Image credit: BWF Media)

India's representation at the Macau Open Super 300 badminton tournament concluded on Saturday, with both Lakshya Sen and Tharun Mannepalli bowing out in the men's singles semifinals. Lakshya, a bronze medalist at the 2021 World Championships and the reigning Commonwealth Games champion, was defeated by Indonesia's Alwi Farhan in straight games. The 23-year-old Indian, currently ranked 17th in the world, suffered a 16-21, 9-21 loss in just 39 minutes. This loss added to a challenging season marked by poor form and persistent injury concerns, including shoulder, back, and ankle issues.

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LAKSHYA SEN VS ALWI FARHAN Lakshya entered the tournament aiming to rediscover his form ahead of the World Championships in Paris. However, it was Farhan—the 2023 World Junior Champion and a member of Indonesia's Sudirman Cup bronze-winning team—who dominated the match from start to finish. Despite a promising 3-0 lead in the first game, Lakshya struggled as Farhan took control, leading 11-7 at the interval. Farhan's precise shots and powerful smashes kept Lakshya on the defensive, leading to his defeat. The second game followed a similar pattern with Farhan's dominance. A 38-shot rally ended with a decisive winner from Farhan, who secured an 11-5 lead at the break. Unable to cope with Farhan's tactics, Lakshya succumbed to his opponent's control, resulting in a comprehensive victory for Farhan. THARUN MANNEPALLI VS JUSTIN HOH In contrast to Lakshya, Tharun started his semifinal match with determination. He surged to an 11-6 lead in the first game, showcasing clever placements and solid defense. Despite Justin Hoh's late comeback to tie the score at 18-all, Tharun maintained his composure to win the first game 21-19 with a sharp return. However, Justin turned the tables in the second game, taking advantage of Tharun's errors to secure a 21-16 win and force a deciding third game. Although Tharun initially led 6-3 in the final game, Justin's strategic play and quick responses allowed him to clinch the victory. With both Indian players exiting in the semifinals, India's campaign at the Macau Open concluded without a podium finish. Lakshya now shifts his focus to recovery and preparation for the upcoming World Championships in Paris.

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