Lakshya Sen advances to All England final after defeating Victor Lai
Lakshya Sen has secured his place in the final of the All England Open 2026 by defeating Victor Lai in a thrilling semifinal match that lasted one hour and 37 minutes. The final scores were 21-15, 18-21, and 21-16, showcasing Sen’s resilience and skill.
This marks Lakshya Sen’s second appearance in the All England final, having previously reached the final in 2022. He is now aiming to become only the third Indian player to win the prestigious Super 1000 title, a feat that would further elevate his status in the sport.
In the quarterfinals, Lakshya had already made headlines by defeating World No. 6 Li Shifeng, demonstrating his capability to compete against the best in the world. The semifinal match against Lai featured intense rallies, with some lasting over 40 shots, highlighting the high level of competition.
During the deciding game, Lakshya battled through cramps, a testament to his determination and physical endurance. The match was held at the Utilita Birmingham Arena, where the atmosphere was electric as fans rallied behind the players.
Yoo Yong-sung, Lakshya’s coach, watched proudly as his protégé punched the air in delight after securing the victory. PV Sindhu, a fellow Indian badminton star, remarked that the marathon battle reminded her of the 2017 World Championships final, underscoring the significance of the match.
With this victory, Lakshya Sen has kept India’s hopes alive in Birmingham, and he will now face Lin Chun-Yi in the final. This matchup is highly anticipated as both players are known for their exceptional skills and competitive spirit.
Lakshya Sen is only the second Indian to reach the All England final twice, following the legendary Prakash Padukone. This achievement not only highlights his talent but also places him among the elite in Indian badminton history.
As the final approaches, observers are eager to see if Lakshya can clinch the title and make history for Indian badminton. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact timing of the final match against Lin Chun-Yi, but expectations are high for an exciting showdown.
