PV Sindhu backs Lakshya Sen after 'tough' All England Open final defeat, blames fatigue in honest verdict: 'It's brutal'

It was Lakshya Sen's second All England Open final, having lost to Viktor Axelsen in the 2022 edition's summit clash.

Published on: Mar 8, 2026, 19:29:40 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

PV Sindhu hailed Lakshya Sen for his valiant effort in the men's singles final of the All England Open in Birmingham on Sunday. Lakshya ended up losing to Lin Chun-yi, but it was a thriller as the Indian ace almost staged a comeback after losing the opening game.

Lin Chun-yi (R) poses with second-placed Lakshya Sen during the awards ceremony following their men's singles final. (AFP)

Lakshya's fatigue was clearly evident in the first game against Chun-yi. The Indian shuttler had to rely on his physical endurance in the semifinal against Victor Lai as the match lasted one hour, 37 minutes. But Chun-yi once again took the lead late in the second game, eventually winning 21-15 22-20.

Also Read: All England Open Badminton: Lakshya Sen loses to Lin Chun-yi in men's singles final

‘Tough loss, but smile Lakshya’: PV Sindhu

Taking to X, Sindhu, who missed the tournament due to airspace restrictions, wrote, "Lin Chun Yi takes it 21–15, 22–20. Never easy to come back and play a final less than 24 hours after a brutal semifinal. Those matches really stay in the legs."

Recalling a similar situation for her personally at the 2021 All England Open, she revealed, "I remember the 2021 All England Open Badminton Championships. I had a really long quarterfinal against Akane Yamaguchi, and the very next day had to step back on court for the semifinal against Pornpawee Chochuwong. Let me tell you, it’s brutal. Lakshya still had a phenomenal week. Beating Shi Yuqi and Li Shifeng in the same tournament says a lot about the level he’s playing at."

"And Lin Chun Yi’s attack at times really reminds you of his namesake Lin Dan. Very decisive and explosive. Tough loss, but smile Lakshya. For the general public, the All England Open Badminton Championships is often seen as the pinnacle because of its history and aura. But on the tour it is one of the four Super 1000 events we play every year, and opportunities keep coming. With the kind of skill Lakshya has, weeks like this will keep repeating. Hopefully this momentum carries through the rest of the Super 1000s this season as well," she added.

It was Lakshya's second All England Open final, having lost to Viktor Axelsen in the 2022 edition's summit clash. But he failed to get lucky this time, as Chun-yi's power-hitting proved to be the decisive factor. Lakshya did showcase his defence, but it wasn't enough as he ran out of gas in crucial moments.

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

Home/Sports/Badminton/PV Sindhu Backs Lakshya Sen After 'tough' All England Open Final Defeat, Blames Fatigue In Honest Verdict: 'It's Brutal'