The India Open 2025 has seen some dramatic results, especially for Indian shuttlers. On Day 2, Lakshya Sen and HS Prannoy faced shocking first-round exits. Lakshya Sen, ranked 12th in the world, was defeated by Chinese Taipei’s Lin Chun-Yi. Similarly, HS Prannoy, ranked 26th globally, lost to Su Li Yang of Chinese Taipei in a closely contested match.
Lakshya Sen’s Early Exit
Lakshya Sen, known for his explosive style and agility on the court, faced a surprising defeat in the first round. Sen entered the tournament with high expectations. However, Lin Chun-Yi from Chinese Taipei played a tactically superior game, defeating Sen in straight sets, 21-15, 21-10. The match lasted just 37 minutes, and Sen seemed unable to find his rhythm against Lin’s consistent play and sharp net game. This early exit is a significant setback for Sen, who has been working hard to climb the ranks and establish himself as a top contender in international badminton.
HS Prannoy’s Tough Battle
HS Prannoy had a more challenging match against Su Li Yang of Chinese Taipei. Prannoy started strong, taking the first set 21-16 with aggressive smashes and precise drop shots. However, Su Li Yang made a strong comeback, winning the next two sets 21-18, 21-12. The match was a testament to Prannoy’s tenacity and skill, but ultimately, he couldn’t match Su Li Yang’s consistency and fitness in the latter stages. This defeat adds to Prannoy’s string of early exits in recent tournaments, raising questions about his form and strategy.
A tough day yesterday for Indian shuttlers at the India Open 😔 Lakshya Sen, HS Prannoy, Priyanshu Rajawat, and Malvika Bansod bowed out in the first round. 🌟 However, there were bright spots with Anupama Upadhyay, Ashwini Ponnappa, and Tanisha Crasto shining through! 🇮🇳
The… pic.twitter.com/8FKuqgYP3X
— Doordarshan Sports (@ddsportschannel) January 16, 2025
Anupama Upadhyaya’s Progress
In contrast, Anupama Upadhyaya’s performance brought a ray of hope to Indian fans. Anupama, a former national champion, showcased her skill and determination by defeating Rakshitha Sree Santosh Ramraj with a score of 21-17, 21-18. This victory propels her into the second round, where she will face the sixth seed, Tomaka Miyazaki of Japan. Anupama’s journey in the tournament is being closely watched, as she has the potential to become one of India’s top women’s singles players. Her strategic play, combined with her ability to handle pressure, will be crucial in the upcoming matches.
While the men’s singles saw disappointing results, there were some successes in the doubles categories. Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto advanced in the women’s doubles, as did the Panda sisters in mixed doubles. These performances highlight the depth of talent in Indian badminton, even as the top singles players faced challenges.
Also Read: Rohan Bopanna-Nicolas Barrientos make a first-round exit at Australian Open
