India’s rising badminton star, Lakshya Sen, is set to compete in a star-studded field at the inaugural King Cup International Badminton Open in Shenzhen, China, beginning Friday. Fresh off his title victory at the Syed Modi Super 300 in Lucknow earlier this month, the 23-year-old is looking to cap off his season on a high note.
Ranked 12th in the world, Sen enters the competition with momentum, having broken his title drought and displayed exceptional form. His first challenge will come against Hong Kong’s Angus Ng Ka Long, ranked 17th, in what promises to be a riveting opener.
The King Cup, spearheaded by two-time Olympic champion Lin Dan, brings together eight elite men’s singles players, including some of the sport’s biggest names.
Unlike traditional tournaments, it is not part of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) calendar and will not offer ranking points. However, the prestige of competing against the world’s best has drawn significant attention.
Top contenders include Paris Olympics silver medallist Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand and Denmark’s world number 2, Anders Antonsen. Former world champion Loh Kean Yew of Singapore and promising French talent Alex Lanier add further depth to the competition.
China’s next generation of talent will also be on display, with 18-year-olds Hu Zhe An and Wang Zi Jun representing the host nation.
After narrowly missing out on a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, Sen bounced back with his victory in Lucknow, showing his ability to compete at the highest level.
Facing Angus Ng in the first round, the Almora-born shuttler will need to draw upon his tactical prowess and recent form to advance. The tournament’s compact three-day format means consistency and quick adaptability will be key.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Sen said, “It’s an honour to be part of such a prestigious event. Competing against the world’s best is always a challenge, but it’s also a chance to test myself and finish the season strong.”
With Olympic medallists and world champions in the mix, the King Cup promises high-quality action. Kunlavut Vitidsarn and Anders Antonsen are the favourites, but dark horses like Loh Kean Yew and Alex Lanier could spring surprises.
For Lakshya Sen, the tournament represents an opportunity to solidify his place among the sport’s elite and build momentum heading into the next season. All eyes will be on the Indian star as he looks to deliver a standout performance on badminton’s global stage.
