Lakshya Sen Advances to All England 2026 Final with Stunning Victory Over Victor Lai
Synopsis
Lakshya Sen has made history by reaching the All-England Open final for the second time, overcoming Canada's Victor Lai in a thrilling semifinal. With aspirations to become the third Indian champion, Sen's journey at this prestigious event continues.
Key Takeaways
Lakshya Sen is the second Indian to reach the men's singles final of the All-England Open twice.
He won a challenging semifinal against Victor Lai with a score of 21-16, 18-21, 21-15 .
Sen aims to join Prakash Padukone and Pullela Gopichand as Indian champions of this prestigious tournament.
The upcoming final will see him compete against Lin Chun-Yi from Chinese Taipei.
Sen's journey reflects the growing stature of Indian badminton on the international stage.
Birmingham, March 7 (NationPress) Lakshya Sen has made history by becoming just the second Indian athlete to secure a spot in the men's singles final of the prestigious All-England Open badminton championship on two occasions. He achieved this remarkable feat by defeating Canada's Victor Lai in a fiercely contested semifinal match held in Birmingham on Saturday.
The 24-year-old, who previously reached the finals in 2022, battled not only against a resilient Lai but also against blisters on his right toe, ultimately winning with scores of 21-16, 18-21, 21-15 after an intense hour and 37 minutes of play.
Sen's mentor, the legendary Prakash Padukone, was a finalist in 1980 and 1981, clinching the title in his debut final.
The semifinal match was a true test of stamina, as both players engaged in numerous rallies exceeding 50 strokes. Sen's ability to push himself further enabled him to take the first game, which remained tightly contested until a score of 17-16, after which he surged ahead with four consecutive points.
However, Lai, the first Canadian to earn a BWF World Championships medal, fought back in the second game, establishing an 11-7 lead at the mid-game break. Despite struggling with his blisters, Sen rallied to equalize at 16-16, only for Lai to regain the lead and take the game.
In the deciding game, Sen's experience shone through as he took calculated risks and built a 15-9 advantage. Though Lai narrowed the gap to 17-15, Sen responded by winning four straight points to secure his place in the finals.
In the championship match, Sen will compete against Lin Chun-Yi of Chinese Taipei, the India Open champion, who defeated second seed Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand with scores of 21-14, 18-21, 21-16 in an hour and 18 minutes.
Sen aspires to become the third Indian player to win the men's singles title, joining the ranks of Padukone and Pullela Gopichand, who won in 2001, in the illustrious history of the All-England Open tournament.
Previously, India's top-ranked men's singles player continued his impressive journey in the All England Open by defeating former champion Li Shi Feng, the sixth seed, in straight games to reach the semifinals. Sen triumphed over Li with scores of 21-13, 21-16 in exactly one hour, setting up a semifinal showdown with Canada's Victor Lai, who prevailed over Japan’s Koki Watanabe in the other quarterfinal match.
Point of View
Lakshya Sen's remarkable journey to the All-England Open finals highlights the growing prowess of Indian badminton on the global stage. His resilience and skill reflect not only his dedication but also the potential for future champions from India. This achievement deserves recognition and support as it inspires young athletes across the nation.
NationPress
8 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the outcome of the semifinal match?
Lakshya Sen won his semifinal match against Canada's Victor Lai with scores of 21-16, 18-21, 21-15.
Who will Lakshya Sen face in the final?
In the final, Lakshya Sen will compete against Lin Chun-Yi from Chinese Taipei.
What is the significance of the All-England Open?
The All-England Open is one of the most prestigious badminton tournaments in the world, showcasing top international talent.
How many times has Lakshya Sen reached the All-England final?
Lakshya Sen has reached the All-England final twice, having previously made it in 2022.
