- By Namrata Vijay
- Wed, 16 Jul 2025 12:17 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Japan Open 2025: The Indian shuttlers had a flying start to the Japan Open Super 750 as both the star men's doubles pair and a few singles players reached the second round with straight-game wins. Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, considered as the country's consistent doubles pair began their stint on a high.
The World No.15 had beaten South Korea's Kang Min Hyuk and Kim Dong Ju 21-18, 21-10 during a match which went for about 42 minutes. Although the pair faced some stiff competition during the first game but then they made a brilliant comeback. During the second game, they looked in good touch and had put up a dominant performance and won the match quite comprehensively.
Satwik and Chirag received a huge boost after winning this match, they are trying to reclaim top form and entering a jam-packed year, where Olympic qualification events and other important tournaments are at stake.
As far as the singles are concerned, Lakshya Sen entertained the Indian fans as he defeated China's Wang Zheng Xing quite comprehensively. The youngster, who has been going through a lean patch this year, looked in sublime form and won the match by 21-11, 21-18. He had dominated the first game and tried to take an early lead. But he did face a stiff challenge during the second game but he maintained his lead by controlling his shot-making abilities and held his nerves at important junctures.
This win is a huge boost for Lakshya, who has been trying to play consistently for the last few months. He will lock horns with Kodai Naraoka during his next match and the upcoming match will test both his form and his mental strength.
The Indian shuttlers began their campaign on a high in the ongoing tournament but they will face challenges in the upcoming matches as the Super 750 event progresses.
