Badminton stars shine in Germany! Sindhu, Lakshya storm into Hylo Open title clash

Hylo Open 2026: PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen reach finals, India eye double title glory

India’s badminton campaign at the Hylo Open 2026 has gathered momentum, with PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen securing places in the women’s and men’s singles finals after impressive semifinal victories in Saarbrucken, Germany, on Saturday. Both players won their matches in straight games, putting India within touching distance of a double title triumph at the USD 500,000 BWF Super 500 tournament.

Sindhu booked her place in the final by defeating fellow Indian Anmol Kharb 21-13, 21-16. The two-time Olympic medallist has now reached back-to-back finals, following her runner-up finish at the French Open last week. She will next take on Denmark’s eighth-seeded Line Hojmark Kjaersfeldt for the title.

Lakshya Sen also delivered a commanding performance, overcoming France’s Toma Junior Popov 21-17, 21-13. The victory earned him a place in his second final of the season. He will face the winner of the semifinal between Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie and Denmark’s top seed Anders Antonsen.

Sindhu dominates all-Indian semifinal
The 31-year-old Sindhu relied on her experience, aggressive shot-making and effective net play to overcome 19-year-old Anmol. The youngster started positively, taking a 4-2 advantage in the opening game, but Sindhu soon settled into the contest and began dictating the rallies.

Sindhu went into the interval with an 11-9 lead and increased the gap after the break. Her attacking approach proved difficult for Anmol to counter as she wrapped up the first game 21-13.

The second game was more competitive, with Anmol displaying greater aggression and briefly taking a 15-13 lead. However, Sindhu responded strongly, capitalising on her opponent’s mistakes to level the score and regain control. She eventually closed out the match 21-16.

The win gives Sindhu another opportunity to claim an international title after her recent second-place finish in France.

Lakshya produces clinical display against Popov
Lakshya Sen showed significant improvement in his semifinal against world No. 13 Toma Junior Popov. After navigating three-game battles against Joakim Oldorff, Kiran George and Kalle Koljonen in the earlier rounds, the Indian produced a much more controlled performance.

The opening game remained competitive in the initial stages, but Lakshya gradually established his dominance through disciplined defence and powerful attacking strokes. Although Popov reduced the deficit to 15-17, Lakshya maintained his composure to win the game 21-17.

The Indian carried his momentum into the second game, opening up a 4-1 advantage. Popov briefly fought back to make it 4-4, but Lakshya responded with aggressive smashes and effective court coverage.

He built a commanding 14-7 lead before moving closer to victory. Despite missing two match points, Lakshya converted his third opportunity with a well-placed smash to complete a 21-13 win.

Another title opportunity for Lakshya
The semifinal victory marks an important step in Lakshya’s campaign as he looks to add another trophy to his collection. The Indian had finished runner-up at the All England Open in March and will now have another chance to secure a major title this season.

A former Hylo Open champion, Lakshya won the tournament in 2019. His latest performance has put him one match away from repeating that achievement.

With Sindhu and Lakshya both reaching the finals, Indian badminton fans will have plenty to look forward to on Sunday as the two stars aim to bring home a double championship from Germany.