Lakshya Sen Triumphs, Malvika Bansod Bows Out at Malaysia Open 2026

Post by : Mina Rahman

India’s badminton star Lakshya Sen made an impressive start to the season at the Malaysia Open Super 750, advancing to the second round following a hard-fought victory over Singapore’s Jia Heng Jason Teh.

The 24-year-old from Almora, who enjoyed a remarkable last season with an Australian Open title and a finals spot at the Hong Kong Open, battled for 70 intense minutes to defeat world No. 21 Teh. The match was a rollercoaster, with Sen securing the first game 21-16, losing the second 15-21, and then rallying to win the third 21-14.

With this victory, currently ranked World No. 13, Sen is set to face either sixth seed Christo Popov of France or Hong Kong’s Lee Cheuk Yiu in the next stage of the tournament.

In the women’s singles, India’s Malvika Bansod, who was making her return after a six-month hiatus due to a left knee injury, faced formidable competition against Thailand’s former world champion and seventh seed, Ratchanok Intanon. Unfortunately for Bansod, she struggled throughout the match, ultimately losing 11-21, 11-21 in her opening round.

Later in the day, India’s Ayush Shetty, winner of last year's US Open Super 300, is expected to face Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia, the bronze medallist from the Paris Olympics, in a match that promises excitement.

In men’s doubles, the Indian duo of veteran M R Arjun and 22-year-old Hariharan Amsakarunan will be competing against Japan’s Hiroki Midorikawa and Kyohei Yamashita, looking to make a solid start in the doubles draw.

With top Indian players entering the Malaysia Open in great form, fans are eager for more thrilling matches as the tournament unfolds.