India, Nov. 23 -- As Lakshya Sen's half-smash landed in Yushi Tanaka's court, the top Indian shuttler closed his eyes and put his index fingers into his ears - a signature celebration of India cricketer KL Rahul - signifying shutting out the noise and doubts on his performance.

After enduring a difficult season where he experienced less ups and more downs, Lakshya finally ended the drought to clinch his first title of the year at the $475,000 Australian Open in Sydney on Sunday.

The 24-year-old capped a resurgent second half of the season with a commanding win in the men's singles final to beat Japan's unseeded whirlwind Yushi Tanaka 21-15, 21-11 in a 38-minute showdown at the State Sports Centre.

Though the world No.14 had reached the...