Lakshya Sen reaches All England Open final, defeats Victor Lai in thrilling semifinal

Lakshya Sen defeated world No. 16 Victor Lai 21-16 18-21 21-15 in a match that lasted one hour and 37 minutes.

Updated on: Mar 7, 2026, 22:09:51 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen stormed into the All England Open Badminton Championships men's singles final with a hard-fought victory over Canada's Victor Lai on Saturday. Sen, ranked 12th in the world, defeated the world No. 16 21-16 18-21 21-15 in a match that lasted one hour and 37 minutes.

India's Lakshya Sen celebrates winning his All England Open semifinal match. (AP)

Sen's mentor, Prakash Padukone, had reached the All England final in 1980 and 1981, winning the title in his first appearance in the summit clash. Meanwhile, Pullela Gopichand is the other Indian to win the All England title, doing so in 2001. Apart from them, only Prakash Nath (1947) and Saina Nehwal (2015 runner-up) came close with runner-up finishes.

Also Read: Lakshya Sen overcomes second-game hiccup to enter All England quarters

The match tested the physical endurance of both players, as they fought hard in multiple rallies, some of which went beyond 50 strokes. It was Sen's resilience which helped him find an extra gear, taking the opening game, which stayed neck-and-neck till 17-16. Then the Indian took four straight points to draw first blood.

Meanwhile, Lai fought back to draw level, taking the second game. In the third game, Sen was tactical, taking a 15-9 lead. But Lai once again fought back, closing the gap at 17-15. Then, Sen once again counter-attacked, winning four straight points.

Lai bagged bronze in the World C'ships in Paris last year. Meanwhile, it will be Sen's second All England final appearance, having finished as runner-up in 2022.

Sen will be gunning for glory in the All England final and will take on Chinese Taipei's Lin Chun-Yi on Sunday. Chun-Yi defeated world No. 2 Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand, 21-14 18-21 21-16, in the other semifinal on Saturday.

Sen had beaten China's world No. 6 Li Shi Feng in straight games in the quarterfinals on Friday. He also stunned world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi of China in the first round.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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