In a major shock at the 2026, Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen was eliminated in the second round on Wednesday following a 19-21, 21-19, 21-17 defeat to 18-year-old American Garret Tan.
Competing at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, the World No. 14 captured a tight opening game 21-19 despite trailing 10-11 at the mid-game break. However, Tan, ranked 92nd in the world, controlled the second game by building an early 9-4 lead. Sen managed to save four game points late in the game, but Tan shut the door with a smash winner to force a third game.
Tan surged ahead 11-4 at the final interval. Sen mounted a strong fightback to cut the deficit to 17-15. Following a brief pause for medical treatment after hitting his head, Tan held his ground to earn four match points, converting the second to wrap up the victory.
Sen credits opponent after shock defeat
Reflecting on the match, gave credit to his opponent after suffering a shock early exit in his home tournament.
“I think he was just a better player on court today. So yeah, I would give a lot of credit to him.”
“There is no injury as such. I mean, it was a very tough match. He took a medical break, I think on the close of the third set. I think overall it was a very hard-fought match. And I gave it my all, whatever I had in the tank. And towards the end of the third set, I was also exhausted physically. But again, overall I would say I would give a lot of credit to him. He played a very solid game. Also a little bit disappointed with myself. I mean, even though I know I gave it my all and whatever I had, I tried. I think the performance, I would say, was not up to the mark,” Sen added.
“It’s a big tournament, and I mean it’s gonna probably hurt a little bit more but again we have a lot of big tournaments coming up, so just focused on that and will prepare for that,” he concluded.
In the women’s round, advanced to the next round with a win against W.Y. Zhang.