2 November 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Indian badminton star Lakshya Sen ended his year-long wait for a BWF World Tour title with a commanding victory over Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie in the men’s singles final of the Hylo Open 2026 in Saarbrücken, Germany, on Sunday, November 1.
The Indian shuttler defeated the fourth-seeded Christie 21-17, 21-10 in straight games to lift the BWF Super 500 trophy. The victory marked Sen’s first title of the 2026 season and his seventh career BWF World Tour title.
Sen’s triumph also completed a memorable day for Indian badminton, as two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu won the women’s singles title at the same tournament. Both Indian players finished the competition with championship victories, giving the country a double celebration in Germany.
Lakshya Sen controls the final against Jonatan Christie
The men’s singles final began with an intense exchange of rallies, as both players looked to establish control through attacking shots and quick movement around the court.
Sen started strongly and built an 8-4 advantage in the opening game. However, Christie responded with a five-point run to take a 9-8 lead, putting pressure on the Indian.
The Indonesian attempted to use his attacking game to dictate the pace, but Sen gradually regained control through disciplined defence, accurate placement and well-timed smashes.
Although Christie stayed in contention during the closing stages, Sen held his nerve to take the opening game 21-17.
The second game was considerably more one-sided. Sen increased his intensity, moved Christie around the court and capitalised on the Indonesian’s unforced errors. His court coverage and ability to turn defensive positions into attacking opportunities made it difficult for Christie to build momentum.
Sen maintained his advantage throughout the game and eventually sealed the championship with a convincing 21-10 scoreline.
First title since Australian Open 2025
The Hylo Open victory was particularly important for Sen after a challenging period on the international badminton circuit.
His previous BWF World Tour title had come at the Australian Open in November 2025. Since then, the Indian had experienced inconsistent results, including several early exits from tournaments.
Sen had also reached the final of the All England Open earlier in 2026 but missed out on the championship.
The Hylo Open win therefore ended a frustrating wait and provided a timely confidence boost as he looks ahead to upcoming international competitions.
It was also his second Hylo Open crown. Sen had previously won the tournament in 2021, when the competition was known as the SaarLorLux Open.
Sen’s journey to the Hylo Open final
The Indian shuttler had to overcome several difficult opponents to reach the championship match.
He began his campaign against Finland’s Joakim Oldorff, recovering from losing the opening game to win in three games. He then defeated fellow Indian Kiran George in the pre-quarterfinals.
The quarter-final against Finland’s Kalle Koljonen proved another demanding contest. Sen lost the first game but fought back to secure a 14-21, 21-17, 21-13 victory.
In the semi-final, he faced France’s Toma Junior Popov. Sen produced a more controlled performance, winning 21-17, 21-13 to book his place in the final against Christie.
His straight-games victory in the final capped a strong finish to the tournament.
Seventh career title for the Indian shuttler
The victory over Christie took Sen’s career BWF World Tour title tally to seven. It also levelled his head-to-head record against the Indonesian at 4-4.
Christie, who entered the final as the fourth seed, was unable to match Sen’s consistency, particularly in the second game.
The result underlined Sen’s ability to compete against leading international players and gave him a significant achievement after a difficult season.
PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen deliver double delight
India had further reason to celebrate as PV Sindhu also secured the women’s singles championship at the Hylo Open 2026.
Sindhu defeated Denmark’s Line Højmark Kjærsfeldt in straight games to claim the women’s singles title. Her victory, followed by Sen’s triumph, meant India won both singles crowns at the Super 500 tournament.
The double success made November 1 a memorable day for Indian badminton and provided a boost to the country’s players on the international circuit.
For Lakshya Sen, however, the biggest takeaway will be his return to the winner’s podium. After nearly a year without a BWF World Tour title, the Indian shuttler has once again demonstrated his ability to deliver under pressure and finish a major tournament as champion.