Srikanth Reaches China Masters Quarterfinals as Lakshya Falls

The China Masters 2026 BWF World Tour Super 750 tournament in Shenzhen has delivered contrasting fortunes for India’s premier men’s singles players. While Lakshya Sen suffered a disappointing opening-round exit, veteran campaigner Kidambi Srikanth produced a stellar display of resilience to reach the quarterfinals.

Lakshya Sen’s Campaign Cut Short

For world No. 13 Lakshya Sen, the tournament marked another difficult chapter in an inconsistent 2026 season. Pitted against Canada’s rising star and world No. 9 Victor Lai in the opening round, Lakshya suffered a swift 21-14, 21-7 defeat in just 38 minutes.

The Opening Game

Lakshya began positively, racing to an early 4-0 lead. However, Lai quickly adjusted his pace, capitalised on the Indian’s unforced errors and claimed an 11-8 interval lead before a dominant five-point surge helped him secure the first game.

The Second Game

The second game proved entirely one-sided. Struggling to break down Lai’s solid defence, Lakshya fell behind 11-4 at the break and failed to close the gap, allowing the Canadian to seal a comfortable straight-games victory.

This early exit adds to a frustrating spell for the 25-year-old, who has been searching for consistency following an early departure at the World Championships in New Delhi.

Srikanth’s Impressive Run to the Quarterfinals

In sharp contrast, former world No. 1 Kidambi Srikanth turned back the clock with a masterclass in experience and tactical execution, carrying India’s hopes deep into the China Masters 2026.

Round of 32: Overcoming Chi Yu-jen

Srikanth started his campaign smoothly by dispatching Chinese Taipei’s world No. 21 Chi Yu-jen in a crisp 35-minute encounter, winning 21-16, 21-15.

Displaying sharp net play and disciplined rally management, the world No. 34 veteran avoided a taxing physical battle to comfortably book his place in the next round.

Round of 16: Stunner Over Victor Lai

Facing the same player who had eliminated compatriot Lakshya Sen earlier, Srikanth produced the match of his tournament so far.

In a hard-fought battle against world No. 9 Victor Lai, the 2021 World Championships silver-medallist staged a brilliant comeback to win 21-18, 21-19.

First Game Comeback: Trailing 3-7 and 9-11 at the interval, Srikanth fought his way back with precise jump smashes and tight net control. He levelled the game at 15-15 before sealing it 21-18.

Second Game Grit: Srikanth again faced a deficit, falling behind 5-9 and 9-14. Showing immense composure, he gradually chipped away at Lai’s lead, levelled at 18-18 and capitalised on late errors from the Canadian to win 21-19.

Srikanth Carries India’s Hopes Forward

While Lakshya Sen’s early exit highlights his ongoing search for consistency, Srikanth’s remarkable run has provided a major boost for the Indian contingent in Shenzhen.

The veteran will now face Hong Kong’s Lee Cheuk Yiu in the quarterfinals, with another strong performance needed if Srikanth is to continue his impressive China Masters 2026 campaign.

For India, the tournament has already produced contrasting stories — a disappointing early exit for Lakshya and a memorable comeback run from Srikanth.