The Hylo Open 2021 was upgraded to a Super 500 status, making it the seventh tournament of its kind on the 2021 BWF World Tour. The competition took place at the Saarlandhalle, featuring a total prize fund of $320,000. For the Indian contingent, the tournament ended on a sour note when Lakshya Sen suffered an unexpected loss in the Men's singles semifinals held in Saarbrucken.
The 2021 Hylo Open badminton tournament was upgraded from a Super 100 to a Super 500 tournament. The Hylo Open is the seventh Super 500 tournament of the 2021 BWF World Tour. The Super 500 tournament is held at Saarlandhalle with total prize money of US$320,000. India’s challenge ended at the Hylo Open tournament after Lakshya Sen suffered a shocking defeat in the Men’s singles semifinals in Saarbrucken.
Coming off a brilliant quarter-final showing, Lakshya Sen struggled in the semifinals, losing in straight games to Loh Kean Yew. The 20-year-old Indian athlete fought hard for 45 minutes but was defeated 18-21, 12-21. Although Sen began the match strongly, he couldn't quite finish the job against Singapore's 39th-ranked Kean Yew. Despite the rank advantage as world no. 21, Sen matched the intensity of the rallies but failed to execute the final winning shots.
This match was the second time this year that Lakshya Sen fell to Kean Yew in three meetings. Just last month, Sen lost the Dutch Open final to the Singaporean, failing to keep his title. However, he had briefly turned the tide by beating Kean Yew in straight games at the French Open.
Kean Yew's victory in the semifinals was a result of better discipline and a more precise game. The two athletes engaged in some spectacular rallies; at one point, Sen surged ahead with six consecutive points to lead 8-4. However, he couldn't maintain that momentum and began committing unforced errors, which Kean Yew quickly exploited to close the gap to 10-9.
A combination of a long shot and a net error from Sen allowed Kean Yew to seize control and accelerate the tempo of the match. Even as the tide turned, Sen showed resilience, scoring four quick points to reclaim a 17-15 lead. Nevertheless, Kean Yew remained composed and clinched the first game with a shot that was completely out of reach for his opponent.
Maintaining his edge, the 24-year-old Kean Yew started the second game with a quick 2-0 lead. While Sen continued to put up a fight, Kean Yew held a three-point advantage by the interval. The Singaporean's flawless defensive play allowed him to gradually widen the gap. After a sharp half-volley smash put him at match point, Kean Yew sealed the victory with a powerful cross-court smash.
Loh Kean Yew is set to battle Lee Zii Jia in the Men's singles final. Lee, the All-England champion, fought his way into the final by edging out Kidambi Srikanth 21-19, 22-20 in a tight semifinal. Having been stunned by Kean Yew in the first round of the French Open last week, Lee will be looking for redemption in this matchup.