Lakshya Sen and Ayush Shetty both have reached the Round of 16 in the Malaysia Open 2026, and Indian badminton has begun on a positive note. Ayush created an early upset by beating Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia in straight games, while Lakshya showed his experience by winning a tough three-game match against Jia Heng Jason Teh. With tougher opponents waiting next, the spotlight is firmly on the Indian shuttlers as the tournament heats up.
Ayush Shetty’s Big Breakthrough at Malaysia Open
The start of the Malaysia Open 2026 was unforgettable for young Indian shuttler Ayush Shetty. At just 20 years old, he pulled off one of the most exciting wins of the early badminton season. He was up against Lee Zii Jia, the Malaysian star and Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medallist. Shetty, who had impressed earlier at the Hong Kong Open, continued his strong form with a big win at the Malaysia Open.
Lee was making his return to tournament play after a long injury layoff, and he had the home crowd cheering loudly behind him. Despite that pressure, Ayush stayed calm and confident throughout the match.
Ayush had the game plan for Lee. He made sudden attacks, ran fast about the court, and kept the shuttle as nearly as possible to the ground. The first game saw him going out on top and not looking back as he took it 21-12 with ease. In the second game, Lee attempted to gain momentum, but Ayush managed to remain composed and combined accuracy with intelligent positioning. When the score became tight in the mid-second game, he did not panic. He remained focused and sealed the match 21-17 in only 39 minutes.
The outcome of this win is not the only thing that makes it so special, but also the manner in which Ayush handled himself on such a grand platform. Lee Zii Jia is an experienced and well-known opponent, and despite his coming off injury, he was pushing at times during the match. However, Ayush acclimatized and harnessed his strengths to the best, and he dictated the speed of play throughout.
After the match, Lee admitted that he was still not fully fit and that his movement was not at the level he hoped for. Even so, he praised Ayush’s performance and acknowledged the challenge he posed. Ayush now moves into the next round with a big boost of confidence. He is set to face one of the top seeds in the tournament, and this win could be just the start of a very promising run in Malaysia.
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Lakshya Sen’s Tough Fight to Reach the Next Round
As Ayush Shetty was making headlines, Lakshya Sen was in a completely different form of battle. The seasoned Indian shuttler took on Jia Heng Jason Teh of Singapore in the first round, who is a speedy and consistent player. It was a game that required time, stamina, and mental prowess, and Lakshya knew that he would have to earn point by point.
Lakshya began the game well and won the first game 21-16 with controlled and attacking play. But, Teh retaliated in the second match and pushed Lakshya on the back foot and scored 21 to 15. The match became really intense, with high stakes on, so the players elevated the game in a test of stamina, concentration, and frustration for both players.
In the game that would decide the winner, Lakshya played tough and dug deep, mentally moving around the court as a head game with Teh. He switched up his shots on Teh and gradually built a lead. Lakshya closed off the last game with a score of 21-14 after a long, exhausting 70-minute match. This match went in his favor, as it showed his ability to tackle challenges. This win gave Lakshya a major boost in confidence as he moved on to the next match.
The Road Ahead for India at Malaysia Open 2026
Following his impressive victory in round one, Ayush Shetty is most likely facing the toughest challenge in his career so far. He will play top seed Shi Yuqi of China in the Round of 16. Shi Yuqi is among the most reliable players in the world tour in terms of speed, control and ability to deliver under pressure during big matches. To Ayush, this match will be a learning experience and an opportunity to put himself to the test against the best in the business.
Lakshya Sen has advanced to the Round of 16 and will next be playing against Lee Cheuk Yiu of Hong Kong. Lee Cheuk Yiu is a well-seasoned and cunning rival who has previously excelled in major tournaments. This will be a tough match, and Lakshya will have to be on his toes both mentally and physically.
These sorts of follow-up matches are important for both players as they look to build some early-season momentum. Good results on a Super 1000 such as the Malaysia Open can establish a positive momentum in the coming months. Indian fans have a lot to look forward to with both the youth and experience shining on the big stage.
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