New Delhi, Jan 16: Lakshya Sen claimed his first HSBC BWF World Tour Super 500 title in his first final of this level.

Sen, up against recent world champion Loh Kean Yew, was nearly flawless in temperament and tactics. The Indian was aggressive and patient in equal measure, seizing his moments against a somewhat below-par Loh, and even though he lost big leads in the opening game, stayed alert for his chances.

“I’ve started the year with a win, and that too at home, so it feels good,” said Sen. “Today was a crucial first game. I was leading by a few points and then he caught up and I’m happy I pulled it out. I came with high expectations of myself. After the World Championships I didn’t have a lot of practice, I trained for a week before coming here but I had the rhythm from the beginning. I played well in the quarterfinals and semifinals and in the final I was much more confident.”