Lakshya Sen has reached the final of the All England Open 2026 after a hard-fought semifinal victory over Victor Lai. He aims to become the third Indian to win the Super 1000 title.
Lakshya Sen Advances to All England 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 score was 21-15, 18-21, 21-16, showcasing Sen’s resilience and skill on the court.
This marks Lakshya’s second appearance in the All England final, having previously reached the final in 2022. He is now aiming to become the third Indian player to win the prestigious Super 1000 title, joining the ranks of legends in Indian badminton.
In the quarterfinals, Lakshya delivered a stunning performance against World No. 6 Li Shifeng, setting the stage for his semifinal clash with Lai. The match featured intense rallies, with some lasting over 40 shots, demonstrating the high level of competition.
During the deciding game, Lakshya faced physical challenges, battling cramps as he fought to maintain his lead. His coach, Yoo Yong-sung, was seen watching with pride as Lakshya punched the air in delight after securing his victory.
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. This reflects the growing stature of Indian badminton on the world stage.
As Lakshya prepares to face Lin Chun-Yi in the final, he carries the hopes of a nation on his shoulders. Only two Indian players have reached the All England final twice, with Prakash Padukone being the first.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential injuries or further challenges Lakshya may face leading up to the final. However, his determination and skill have already made a significant impact in Birmingham.
