All England Open 2022 Final Highlights, Lakshya Sen vs Viktor Axelsen: Indian finishes runner-up after losing in final

Another challenge from Lakshya and it's out again! Challenge unsuccessful and Lakshya has no challenges remaining. Viktor is just two points away from the opening game.

Viktor didn't miss by much but it was wide nevertheless. Lakshya has to make a decision here -- save his energy for the next game or put up some fight.

His first challenge in the final and it's clearly out. One challenge remaining for Lakshya as Axelsen further extends his lead.

Too easy for Viktor! A flat push in the forehand corner and an easy kill there.

Good flick serve from Lakshya and he claims one more point to close the gap. Still a long way to go!

That's gone way past the backline and Lakshya finally gets a point. But a strong attack has been missing from the Indian's game at present. Viktor looks in total command so far.

Mid-game interval and Viktor has stormed to take a nine-point lead here.

Viktor continues with his relentless attacks as Lakshya looks to create some pressure instead of being a bit defensive. Viktor takes one more point after playing a 61-shot rally.

Beautiful from Lakshya! He used his speed and agility to play it straight down the line. No chance for Viktor to return it. One more point.

First point for Lakshya! He has been trying to return everything from the Danish star but Lakshya needs to elevate his attacks if he needs to stay alive in the contest.

It's been a good start from World No. 1. Lovely smash from Axelsen. It was all about placement rather than putting power into the shot.

Error from Lakshya. The Indian is fast on his feet to return the shuttles but squanders one into the net.

Viktor serves and what a start to the match! Too wide for Lakshya and the Danish takes one more point to take two point-lead.

Viktor wins the toss and chooses his end. We are moments away from the start!

The No. 1 Viktor Axelsen walks out to the court. The reigning Olympic champion has suffered a defeat just once against Lakshya, which came last week at the German Open.

Viktor is all set to play his fourth consecutive All England final against unseeded Lakshya. 

Lakshya-Viktor men's singles final is up next! Hold on to your seats folks.

Watanabe and Higashino throwing their racquets to lucky fans in the crowd. We've witnessed some of the best badminton in the mixed doubles category here. The Japanese pair is elated as it secures its third All England title.

They have done it! Third All England title for Watanabe/Higashino. They beat Wang/Huang 21-19, 21-19 in 58 minutes. A top-class mixed doubles final.

Wang/Huang and Watanabe/Higashino are currently tied 18-18 in the second game. What a final! The Japanese combination is three points away from second consecutive All England title.

You can't rule Lakshya out, especially when he's been in phenomenal touch for the past six months. He secured a bronze world championship in December and his first Super 500 title at India Open in January. 

His latest triumph came at the German Open last week where he finished runner-up. He had also defeated Viktor en route to the final. 

Yesterday's semi-final between Lakshya and Lee was a battle of tactics, mental strength and endurance. Lakshya passed the test but he needs to overcome one more hurdle to script history. A 1-4 record against Viktor may seem intimidating, but Lakshya's tenacity lifts him up in such contests.

"...all those times when people used to say .. that gave me belief that I can do it and it kept me going and tomorrow I am playing the finals," said Lakshya after defeating Lee in the semi-finals.