Lakshya Sen defeated Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie 21-17, 21-10 in the men’s singles final of the Hylo Open 2026 on Sunday, claiming his second title at the tournament and completing a memorable double triumph for India in Saarbrücken, Germany.
The seventh seed, ranked world No. 14, needed just 39 minutes at the Saarlandhalle to beat the fourth-seeded Christie, ranked world No. 6, in straight games. It was Sen’s first title of the season and ended a title drought stretching back to the Australian Open in November 2025.
A fast start, then total control
Sen started aggressively, using sharp net play and cross-court angles to push Christie around the court and build an 18-10 lead in the opening game. Christie fought back, but Sen held his nerve at the crucial stage to close the first game 21-17.
The second game was far more one-sided. Sen raised his intensity, capitalised on Christie’s unforced errors and controlled the rallies with his movement and shot selection. He earned 10 match points after a successful review of a line call and converted at the next opportunity to seal the game 21-10 and the title.
The win levelled Sen’s career head-to-head record against Christie at 4-4.
Second Hylo crown, seven years after the first
Sen previously won the Hylo Open in 2019, when the tournament was classified as a BWF Super 100 event. Sunday’s victory, at Super 500 level, was his second crown at the event and underlined his return to the top of the podium after a difficult year.
India’s double delight
Earlier in the day, PV Sindhu had beaten Denmark’s Line Højmark Kjærsfeldt 21-12, 21-14 to win the women’s singles title, her second BWF title of the season. It was the first time in four years that two Indian shuttlers won singles titles at the same BWF World Tour event at Super 500 level or above.
Sindhu, the second seed, needed only 39 minutes for her own straight-games victory, winning every match of the tournament in straight games.
Why it matters
For Sen, the title is a timely return to winning ways after a year without a World Tour crown, and it arrives with Indian badminton enjoying one of its strongest weeks of the season. For Christie, the defeat ends a strong tournament run at the hands of an opponent who simply controlled the final from the early exchanges.
What is next
Sen will look to carry this form into the rest of the season, while both Indian champions return home with a Super 500 title each from the same tournament week — a rare double for Indian badminton.
FAQ
What was the score in the Hylo Open 2026 men’s final?
Lakshya Sen beat Jonatan Christie 21-17, 21-10 in 39 minutes.
Where was the Hylo Open 2026 played?
At the Saarlandhalle in Saarbrücken, Germany. It is a BWF World Tour Super 500 event.
Who won the women’s title?
PV Sindhu, who beat Denmark’s Line Højmark Kjærsfeldt 21-12, 21-14 in the women’s singles final.
How many times has Lakshya Sen won the Hylo Open?
Twice — in 2019, when it was a Super 100 event, and again in 2026.
Sources
- India Today — PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen clinch singles titles as India sweep Hylo Open 2026: https://www.indiatodayne.in/sport/story/pv-sindhu-lakshya-sen-clinch-singles-titles-as-india-sweep-hylo-open-2026-1470291-2026-11-01
- The Times of India — Super Sunday for India! Lakshya Sen ends year-long title drought: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/badminton/super-sunday-for-india-lakshya-sen-ends-year-long-title-drought-as-pv-sindhu-completes-hylo-open-double-delight/articleshow/135433066.cms
- MyKhel — PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen Shine as India Celebrate Double Triumph at HYLO Open 2026: https://www.mykhel.com/badminton/pv-sindhu-lakshya-sen-shine-as-india-celebrate-double-triumph-at-hylo-open-2026-457801.html
- Rediff Sports (PTI) — PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen Win Hylo Open Badminton Titles: https://www.rediff.com/sports/report/pv-sindhu-and-lakshya-sen-win-hylo-open-titles/20261101.htm
