Lakshya Sen Faces Toma Junior Popov in Hylo Open 2026 Semifinal
Indian badminton star Lakshya Sen is one win away from reaching the final of the Hylo Open 2026. The seventh-seeded shuttler will meet France’s Toma Junior Popov in the men’s singles semifinals on Saturday, October 31, at the Saarlandhalle in Saarbrücken, Germany.
The matchup brings together two players who earned their places in the last four with contrasting quarterfinal performances. Sen had to recover after losing the opening game, while Popov advanced in straight games against compatriot Arnaud Merkle. With a place in the title match at stake, the semifinal promises a demanding test for both players.
Sen Shows Resilience to Reach the Last Four
Sen kept his Hylo Open campaign alive with a three-game victory over Finland’s Kalle Koljonen. The Indian lost the first game 14-21 but responded with greater control and consistency, taking the next two games 21-17 and 21-13.
The result highlighted Sen’s ability to adjust under pressure. After Koljonen claimed the early advantage, Sen worked his way back into the contest and made the decisive difference in the closing stages. His comeback also means he enters the semifinal with valuable experience of navigating a tight match at the tournament.
For Sen, the challenge now is to carry that momentum into a meeting with an opponent who progressed more comfortably. The Indian will need to start sharply, limit unforced errors and maintain his intensity through the longer rallies if he is to secure a place in the final.
Popov Advances in Straight Games
World No. 13 Toma Junior Popov booked his semifinal spot by defeating fellow Frenchman Arnaud Merkle 21-14, 21-15. The straight-games win gave Popov a direct route into the final four and set up a high-profile encounter with the seventh-seeded Indian.
Popov’s efficient quarterfinal performance makes him a serious threat. He will look to use his attacking play to put Sen under pressure, while also aiming to prevent the Indian from settling into the patient, rally-based exchanges that can shape a close badminton match.
The semifinal will therefore test both players’ tactical discipline. Sen’s recovery against Koljonen showed his capacity to adapt, but Popov’s clean win suggests he could arrive with confidence and energy. The player who manages the key points and controls the pace of the rallies may gain the edge.
Match Details: Lakshya Sen vs Toma Junior Popov
Match: Lakshya Sen vs Toma Junior Popov, men’s singles semifinal
Tournament: Hylo Open 2026, BWF World Tour Super 500
Date: Saturday, October 31
Venue: Saarlandhalle, Saarbrücken, Germany
Court: Court 1
Scheduled time: Approximately 8:10 p.m. IST, or 3:40 p.m. local time
Live streaming: BWF TV’s YouTube channel
How to Watch the Hylo Open 2026 Semifinal
Fans can watch the Lakshya Sen versus Toma Junior Popov semifinal through a live stream on the BWF TV YouTube channel. The match is scheduled for Court 1 at the Saarlandhalle, with the listed start time at approximately 8:10 p.m. Indian Standard Time. As badminton sessions can run ahead of or behind schedule depending on earlier matches, viewers may want to check the tournament’s live order of play before tuning in.
What Is at Stake for Sen?
A victory would send Sen into the Hylo Open final, giving him the chance to compete for the Super 500 title and add another significant result to his international season. Reaching the final would also underline his ability to perform across different match situations: he has already shown he can recover from a slow start, and the semifinal will demand the same composure from the opening rally.
For Indian badminton supporters, the contest offers a compelling reason to follow the tournament’s closing stages. Sen’s quarterfinal comeback has set up an opportunity to take another step toward the trophy, but Popov’s form means the Indian cannot afford to rely on momentum alone. The semifinal is likely to turn on execution, court coverage and how effectively each player handles pressure at the end of each game.
With a final berth on the line, Sen and Popov will meet in a contest that combines contrasting quarterfinal journeys and a clear prize: a place in Sunday’s title match. The Indian will aim to build on his hard-fought win over Koljonen, while Popov will seek to continue the confident form that carried him past Merkle. Badminton fans can follow the action live on BWF TV as the Hylo Open reaches its decisive stage.
