Lakshya Sen Defeated Kodai Naraoka in Team Quarterfinal
Lakshya Sen secured a victory over Kodai Naraoka to give India a 1-0 lead in the quarterfinal tie.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Tennis
India's Lakshya Sen claimed a comeback victory against Japan's Kodai Naraoka in the men's team quarterfinals. The win provided India with an early 1-0 lead in the ongoing tie.
Why it matters
This victory proved critical for India, as it allowed the team to take an early advantage in a competitive quarterfinal match against a high-ranked opponent.
Lakshya Sen completed the comeback in 66 minutes, scoring seven consecutive points to overcome a 19-14 deficit in the deciding game. This victory gives India a 1-0 lead in the quarterfinal tie.
The players
Lakshya Sen
He is an Indian badminton player currently ranked World No 14.
Kodai Naraoka
He is a Japanese badminton player currently ranked World No 7.
The details
After dropping the first game 11-21 in 18 minutes, Sen rebounded by forcing errors and landing precise forehand smashes to win the second game 21-5. In the third game, Sen utilized long rallies to mount a late surge, overcoming Naraoka's 19-14 lead with seven straight points to seal the win.
Timeline
September 22, 2026: Lakshya Sen defeated Kodai Naraoka in a 66-minute match.
Season Trajectory
This win positions India strongly for the remainder of the team competition, challenging the seeding expectations set by the Badminton World Federation world rankings. A victory over a World No 7 player by the 14th-ranked Sen significantly alters the momentum of the current tournament quarterfinal.
Sen's ability to secure seven consecutive points in the third game provides a crucial tactical advantage for India's standing in the overall team tie. The result confirms a major upset for fantasy badminton participants who favored the higher-seeded Naraoka in this bracket.
The takeaway
Players who maintain composure during late-game deficits often capitalize on the increasing pressure faced by their opponents. This match highlights how tactical adjustments and prolonged rallies can disrupt the rhythm of higher-ranked competitors.
Further reading
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