Lakshya Sen, currently ranked World No.18, suffered a straight-game defeat against Japan’s Kodai Naraoka (19-21, 11-21) in the second round of the 2025 Japan Open Super 750. Despite a strong opening-round win, Lakshya’s inconsistency returned to haunt him—yet again raising questions ahead of the all-important Paris 2026 Olympic cycle.
Held in Tokyo, the match lasted just under an hour but felt longer for Indian fans hoping for a deep tournament run.
A Tale of Two Rounds
The tournament began on a high note as Lakshya comfortably dispatched China’s Wang Zheng Xing (21-11, 21-18). The win sparked optimism—perhaps he had found his rhythm after a turbulent season. But Kodai Naraoka, known for his defensive mastery and high shuttle retrieval rate, dismantled that momentum with a tactical masterclass.
🚨 Match Highlight:
- Game 1: Lakshya led 18-17, only to drop 4 of the last 5 points.
- Game 2: Unforced errors and weak net play led to a collapse at 11-21.
Lakshya’s Inconsistency: Talent or Temperament?
Lakshya Sen has shown flashes of brilliance—like his 2022 Commonwealth Games gold—but lately, consistency has been his Achilles’ heel. The issue is no longer physical; it’s psychological. Whether it’s closing tight games, adjusting mid-rally, or maintaining mental clarity under pressure, Lakshya appears to struggle in crunch moments.
That said, he’s only 23. With age on his side and the right coaching tweaks, a comeback is far from impossible.
188BET Odds: What the Numbers Say
According to 188BET, Lakshya entered the second round as the slight underdog at 2.30, compared to Naraoka’s 1.55, reflecting bookmakers’ confidence in the Japanese player’s recent form. For future tournaments, Sen’s outright title odds have slipped to 26.00, signaling reduced confidence in his immediate contention.
Doubles Down: Satwik-Chirag Also Exit
India’s powerhouse duo Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty also exited in the second round, losing to China’s Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang. The former world No.1 pair proved too clinical, sealing the match 24-22, 21-14. The loss extends the Indian pair’s head-to-head deficit to 2-7.
Combined with Lakshya’s loss, it’s back to the drawing board for Indian men’s badminton.
FAQ – People Also Ask
Lakshya struggled with inconsistency and couldn’t handle the pace and defense of Kodai Naraoka, leading to a straight-game defeat.
As of July 2025, Lakshya Sen is ranked World No.18 in men’s singles badminton.
Yes, he won gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and has reached multiple BWF World Tour finals, including the All England Open.
It depends on his ability to stabilize performance and build winning momentum. He remains a key prospect for India’s Olympic badminton squad.
Lakshya Sen had odds around 2.30, while Naraoka was favored at 1.55, indicating expectations were already tilted toward the Japanese player.
India’s top men’s doubles team Satwik-Chirag also lost in the second round to China’s Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang.
Conclusion: Reset, Refocus, Rebound
Lakshya Sen’s exit from the Japan Open isn’t the end—it’s a checkpoint. He remains a crucial part of India’s singles future. But to make waves in Paris 2026, he needs more than talent—he needs mental resilience, tactical maturity, and a whole lot of match composure.
🎯 Your Move: Think Lakshya will bounce back stronger? Drop your predictions below or check 188BET for upcoming match odds and player props.
