Badminton

Lakshya Sen Makes History With Japan Masters Title Win

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Nov 15, 2026, 10:42 IST

Lakshya Sen has become the first Indian to win the Japan Masters, overcoming Koki Watanabe in a three-game final to significantly boost his hopes of qualifying for the BWF World Tour Finals.

Lakshya Sen Makes History With Japan Masters Title Win

Lakshya Sen etched his name into the record books on Sunday, becoming the first Indian player to claim the Japan Masters 500 title. In a high-stakes final held in Kumamoto, the eighth-seeded world No. 13 staged a resilient comeback to defeat local favourite Koki Watanabe, securing the championship in a gripping three-game encounter that lasted one hour and four minutes.

The match began with Watanabe dictating the pace, as the Japanese player comfortably took the opening game 21-13. However, Sen adjusted his approach in the second, engaging in a tighter battle that eventually swung in his favour at 21-18. With the momentum shifted, the Indian shuttler dominated the deciding game, establishing an 11-7 lead by the mid-game interval before pulling away to seal a 21-14 victory.

A Significant Boost for World Tour Finals Qualification

This victory marks a major milestone in Sen's season, arriving on the back of a strong run of form that included a recent title win at the Hylo Open in Germany. His path to the final was equally impressive, highlighted by a tactical performance in the semi-finals where he overcame sixth seed Alwi Farhan in three games, effectively ending a two-match losing streak against the Indonesian opponent.

Beyond the prestige of the title, the win carries substantial implications for the remainder of the season. By securing the 9,200 ranking points awarded to the champion, Sen has significantly improved his standing in the BWF World Tour rankings. Currently positioned 12th, the result provides a vital surge in his pursuit of a top-eight finish, which is required to qualify for the prestigious BWF World Tour Finals.