Lakshya Sen & Tharun Mannepalli Storm Into Semifinals of Macau Open 2025 — India Eyes Double Glory
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In a thrilling display of grit, agility, and determination, India’s badminton stars Lakshya Sen and Tharun Mannepalli have entered the semifinals of the prestigious Macau Open 2025, raising hopes of an all-Indian final and bringing cheers to fans back home.
While Sen continues to reaffirm his status as one of India’s premier shuttle stars, Mannepalli’s entry into the semifinals has added an exciting twist to the tournament — marking the arrival of a new challenger on the international stage.
Lakshya Sen: Masterclass in Momentum
Lakshya Sen, the Commonwealth Games gold medallist and a consistent top-20 player in the BWF rankings, produced a clinical quarterfinal performance against Malaysia’s Ng Tze Yong. With quick footwork, pinpoint smashes, and smart net play, Sen dominated the court to secure a straight-game victory: 21-17, 21-14.
Sen’s ability to shift gears mid-match, combined with his tactical maturity, has made him one of the most dangerous contenders in the draw. His semifinal appearance in Macau continues a strong 2025 season, where he’s already reached the finals in two international tournaments.
“I’ve been working hard on my recovery and shot precision. This win gives me confidence heading into the semifinals,” Sen said after the match.
Tharun Mannepalli: The Dark Horse Rises
If Lakshya’s performance was expected, Tharun Mannepalli’s rise has been a revelation. The 21-year-old, ranked outside the top 60 at the start of the year, delivered the upset of the tournament by defeating Indonesia’s Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo in a thrilling three-game encounter: 19-21, 21-18, 22-20.
Displaying nerves of steel and the endurance of a seasoned pro, Mannepalli held his ground during long rallies and pressured points, turning defense into attack with remarkable flair. This victory not only takes him into his first-ever BWF Super 300 semifinal, but also places him firmly on the radar of selectors and sponsors alike.
“It’s surreal. I just focused on one point at a time. I wasn’t thinking about rankings or expectations — just the shuttle,” said an elated Mannepalli.
India’s Double Boost: A Historic Opportunity
With two Indians in the men’s singles semifinals, the Macau Open 2025 has become a potential launchpad for India’s badminton resurgence. Should both Sen and Mannepalli win their respective semifinal matches, the final could be an all-Indian affair, a rarity in international men’s singles competitions.
Such a feat would not only add to India’s growing badminton legacy but also highlight the emerging depth of talent in the country — where young shuttlers are rising rapidly through the ranks, challenging global heavyweights with fearless play.
What’s Next?
Both Sen and Mannepalli will face formidable opponents in the semifinals. Sen is likely to take on Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto, a technically sharp and battle-hardened player. Mannepalli, meanwhile, faces the Chinese Taipei veteran Wang Tzu Wei — a player known for his deceptive drops and stamina.
The matches are scheduled for Saturday evening, with live coverage available on BWF’s official channels and select Indian sports networks.
India’s New-Age Badminton Stars Shine Bright
As the semifinals approach, Indian fans have plenty to cheer about. Whether it’s Lakshya Sen continuing his journey toward world domination or Tharun Mannepalli carving his name into the global circuit, the Macau Open 2025 is proving to be a tournament of triumph, transition, and terrific talent for India.
Eyes on the shuttle. Fingers crossed. The semifinals await.
