Lakshya Sen Advances to All England Open Final
Lakshya Sen has secured his place in the final of the All England Open 2026 after defeating Victor Lai in a thrilling semifinal match that lasted one hour and 37 minutes. The final scores were 21-15, 18-21, 21-16, showcasing Sen’s resilience and skill on the court.
This victory marks Lakshya’s second appearance in the All England final, having previously reached this stage in 2022. He is now the second Indian player to achieve this milestone, joining the ranks of legends like Prakash Padukone and Pullela Gopichand.
In the quarterfinals, Lakshya faced World No. 6 Li Shifeng, whom he defeated to advance to the semifinals. Throughout the semifinal match, the players engaged in rallies that often exceeded 40 shots, demonstrating their endurance and tactical prowess.
Despite battling cramps during the deciding game, Lakshya managed to secure his victory, a testament to his determination. His coach, Yoo Yong-sung, watched proudly as Lakshya celebrated his win, punching the air in delight.
PV Sindhu, a fellow Indian badminton star, praised both Lakshya and Victor after the match, noting the marathon battle reminded her of the 2017 World Championships final. The chair umpire’s question, “Do you want to play or retire?” during the match highlighted the intensity and physical demands placed on the athletes.
As Lakshya prepares for the final, he aims to become the third Indian to win the historic Super 1000 title, a feat that would further cement his legacy in the sport. He will face Lin Chun-Yi in the final, with expectations high for another exciting match.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific timing and venue for the final, but anticipation is building among fans and observers alike as Lakshya Sen continues to make his mark in the world of badminton.
