Smashing Start! Lakshya Sen, Ayush Shetty, Tharun Mannepalli & Rakshitha Ramraj Storm Into Second Round of Macau Open 2025
The Macau Open 2025 kicked off with a burst of Indian brilliance as Lakshya Sen, Ayush Shetty, Tharun Mannepalli, and Rakshitha Ramraj delivered power-packed performances to cruise into the second round of the prestigious BWF Super 300 tournament. With each player showcasing grit, precision, and tactical brilliance, India has begun its campaign on a high note—sending a strong message to the global badminton fraternity.
Lakshya Sen: Calm, Calculated, and Clinical
All eyes were on Lakshya Sen, the Commonwealth Games gold medalist and one of India’s top shuttlers. Facing a tough opening-round opponent, Sen brought his signature blend of aggressive rallies and patient shot placement to the court.
Sen sealed the victory in straight games, with a scoreline of 21-15, 21-17, showing no signs of rust or hesitation. His improved court coverage and deceptive net play had fans and analysts buzzing about his title chances this week.
“I’ve been working on consistency and minimizing unforced errors. It’s great to get off to a confident start,” Sen said after the win.
Ayush Shetty: Young Gun Fires on Debut Stage
Making headlines with his debut at the Macau Open, rising star Ayush Shetty displayed a maturity beyond his years. The 19-year-old showcased lightning-fast reflexes and an aggressive playing style that overwhelmed his higher-ranked opponent.
With a thrilling 21-19, 18-21, 21-14 win, Shetty not only earned a well-deserved second-round berth but also established himself as India’s next big badminton prospect.
“It was a tough match, but I stuck to my game plan and kept the pressure on,” said Shetty, who now faces a seeded challenger in the next round.
Tharun Mannepalli: Stepping Up with Power and Precision
Another young Indian making waves is Tharun Mannepalli, who came out all guns blazing in his opening round. Known for his attacking flair and sharp smashes, Tharun registered a dominant win with a 21-13, 21-10 scoreline.
The Hyderabad-based shuttler kept rallies short and controlled the tempo throughout, not allowing his opponent any breathing room.
“I’ve been focusing on fitness and mental strength. Winning in straight sets gives me the momentum I need moving forward,” Mannepalli shared after the match.
Rakshitha Ramraj: India’s Queen of Grit Shines Bright
On the women’s side, Rakshitha Ramraj showed nerves of steel as she battled through a hard-fought three-setter. After dropping the first game narrowly, Rakshitha turned the tide with excellent defense and cross-court winners, eventually winning 18-21, 21-17, 21-15.
Her victory marks an important step in her return to form, especially against a higher-ranked and more experienced opponent.
“I never lost belief, even after the first game. It’s all about staying mentally strong,” Rakshitha commented with a smile.
India’s Bright Start: What It Means
India’s strong showing in the first round of the Macau Open is a reflection of its deepening talent pool in badminton, especially with the emergence of young stars like Shetty and Mannepalli. With stalwarts like Sen leading the way and rising players stepping up, the Indian contingent is well-poised to make a deep run in the tournament.
Upcoming challenges, however, won’t be easy—with top seeds and international heavyweights awaiting in the later rounds. But if day one is anything to go by, India’s shuttlers are more than ready for the fight.
What’s Next?
As the second round approaches, the spotlight will remain on:
- Lakshya Sen, who faces a tricky clash against a seeded Malaysian opponent.
- Ayush Shetty, up for a potential career-defining match.
- Rakshitha Ramraj, as she eyes a quarterfinal berth.
- Tharun Mannepalli, who will now test his consistency against a top-40 ranked player.
India Soars as Macau Open 2025 Heats Up
The opening round of the Macau Open 2025 has served as the perfect stage for India’s mix of youth and experience to shine. With Lakshya Sen leading the charge and the next-gen stars proving their mettle, the Indian camp is off to a dream start.
As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more fireworks, tighter matches, and possibly a few stunning upsets. One thing is certain: Team India has arrived in Macau not just to participate—but to conquer.
