Indian Challenge Ends at Macau Open as Lakshya, Mannepalli Fall in Semis

India’s campaign at the Macau Open Super 300 badminton tournament came to a close on Saturday, August 2, after semifinal losses for Lakshya Sen and Tharun Mannepalli in their respective men’s singles matches.

Lakshya Outplayed by Farhan

Lakshya Sen, the 2021 World Championship bronze medallist and reigning Commonwealth Games champion, failed to find rhythm against Indonesia’s Alwi Farhan. The world No. 17 went down 16-21, 9-21 in just 39 minutes. Despite a few flashes of brilliance, Lakshya struggled with consistency and couldn’t match Farhan’s pace and precision.

Farhan, the 2023 World Junior Champion, took control after trailing 0-3 early in the first game. He led 11-7 at the mid-game break and dominated the rest of the match with sharp drops and powerful cross-court smashes. Lakshya’s errors at key moments — including a serve into the net and several wide returns — sealed his fate.

Mannepalli’s Dream Run Ends

Tharun Mannepalli, ranked 47th in the world, fought hard but lost to Malaysia’s Justin Hoh in a gripping three-game contest: 21-19, 16-21, 16-21. The 23-year-old started well and led 11-6 in the first game before sealing it with a straight return. However, his momentum faded as unforced errors crept in during the second and third games.

Despite levelling at 13-all in the second, Mannepalli couldn’t hold off Justin’s charge. A series of mistakes gave the Malaysian the edge in the decider, ending the Indian’s impressive run in the tournament.

Tough Season for Lakshya

Lakshya’s exit adds to a rough 2025 season marked by injuries and early-round losses — seven in the first round and two in the second. He entered the Macau Open hoping to regain form ahead of the World Championships in Paris, but the defeat to Farhan reflects his continued struggles.

With both Indian shuttlers bowing out, the country’s challenge at the Macau Open officially comes to an end.

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