Lakshya Sen secured his place in the All England Open final after a hard-fought semi-final victory, marking a significant moment in Indian badminton history.
Historic Semi-Final Victory
Lakshya Sen has made headlines today by securing his spot in the All England Open 2026 men’s singles final after defeating Victor Lai in a thrilling semi-final match. Prior to this match, expectations were high for Sen, who aimed to become the third Indian to win the prestigious All England title.
In a decisive moment, Sen triumphed over Lai with scores of 21-16, 18-21, 21-15, showcasing his resilience and skill. The match lasted for an intense one hour and 37 minutes, reflecting the competitive nature of the encounter.
This victory marks Sen’s second appearance in the All England final, a significant milestone in his career. He now stands on the brink of making history, as he seeks to end India’s 25-year wait for a men’s singles title at the All England Open.
Historically, only two Indians have previously won the All England title: Prakash Padukone in 1980 and Pullela Gopichand in 2001. Sen’s potential victory would not only add to his accolades but also resonate deeply within the Indian badminton community.
In his upcoming final, Sen will face Lin Chun-Yi, who has previously defeated him four times in their encounters, including a loss at the India Open in January. This adds an intriguing layer to the match, as Sen seeks redemption and aims to turn the tide in his favor.
Sen’s performance in the semi-final was marked by immense mental strength and precise strokeplay, attributes that will be crucial as he prepares for the final. “I was just taking one point at a time and starting up the third set, I could feel a bit of cramps in the legs and I didn’t know if I could go all the way,” Sen remarked after his semi-final victory.
The final match is scheduled to begin at 5:20 PM IST and will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network, with live streaming available on the Jio Hotstar app and website. Fans are eagerly anticipating this clash, hoping for a historic outcome.
As the excitement builds, the badminton community is rallying behind Sen, who has the chance to etch his name in the annals of Indian sports history. The stakes are high, and all eyes will be on the Utilita Arena in Birmingham, England, as Sen takes to the court once again.
