The achievement drew immediate praise from India's Sports Minister,
A Hard-Fought Comeback in Japan
The final in Kumamoto proved to be a demanding test of resilience for the Indian star. Facing local favourite Koki Watanabe, Sen found himself trailing after a difficult opening game. However, he successfully recalibrated his strategy, mounting a comeback to secure a 13-21, 21-18, 21-14 victory. The match, which lasted 64 minutes, saw Sen elevate his intensity in the final two games to overcome the home-court advantage held by his opponent.
This win carries extra weight as it makes Sen the first Indian player to capture the Kumamoto Masters title since the tournament's inception in 2023. Reflecting on his progress, Sen noted that the victory was particularly satisfying given his semifinal exit at the same event last year. He expressed his desire to maintain this current level of performance as he moves forward in the season.
Looking Toward the World Tour Finals
The triumph in Japan provides a substantial boost to Sen's standing in the race for the BWF World Tour Finals 2026. By winning the Super 500 event, he has added 9,200 ranking points to his tally, strengthening his position ahead of the season-ending tournament in Hangzhou, China. With his confidence high, the shuttler is now shifting his focus to the upcoming Hong Kong Open, where he aims to extend his winning streak on the international circuit.
