BIRMINGHAM, England – In a display of remarkable resilience, India’s Lakshya Sen secured his place in the All England Open 2026 final, defeating Canada’s Victor Lai 21-15, 18-21, 21-16 on Saturday at the Utilita Arena Birmingham. The hard-fought victory, lasting an hour and 37 minutes, saw Sen battling severe cramps in the deciding game, showcasing a warrior spirit that captivated the crowd.
This marks the second time Sen has reached the final of the prestigious tournament, having finished as runner-up to Viktor Axelsen in 2022. Now, he aims to join the ranks of Indian badminton legends Prakash Padukone and Pullela Gopichand, the only two from his nation to have claimed the coveted Super 1000 title.
The match began with a lengthy 52-shot rally, setting the tone for a physically demanding contest. Sen took the first game with relative ease, 21-15, but Lai responded strongly in the second, leveling the match at 1-1 with a 21-18 victory. The deciding game proved to be a rollercoaster, with Sen visibly struggling with cramps, requiring attention from the physio during the mid-game interval.
The intensity of the match was palpable, with rallies frequently exceeding 40 shots. At one point, the chair umpire even inquired if Sen wished to continue, asking, “Do you wish to play or retire?” despite the Indian shuttler leading in the third game. Sen, demonstrating incredible determination, persevered and ultimately closed out the match, 21-16.
Sen’s path to the final included victories over Yuqi Shi in the Round of 32, Angus Ng Ka Long in the Round of 16, and a quarterfinal triumph over Li Shifeng. Lai, meanwhile, had overcome Alex Lanier in the Round of 32, followed by a win against Lee Cheuk Yiu in the Round of 16, and Koki Watanabe in the quarterfinals to reach the semi-final stage.
The All England Open holds a special place in badminton history, and Sen’s journey to the final is a testament to his growing maturity and competitive spirit. The tournament, a Super 1000 event on the BWF World Tour, attracts the world’s best players, making Sen’s achievement all the more significant.
Sen will now face Lin Chun-Yi in the final, who defeated Kunlavut Vitidsarn 21-14, 18-21, 21-16 in his own semi-final encounter. The final promises to be another thrilling contest, as Sen looks to etch his name into Indian badminton folklore.
The physical toll of the semifinal was evident, but Sen’s ability to fight through the pain and secure the victory speaks volumes about his mental fortitude. For Indian badminton fans, this is a moment to savor, as Sen stands on the cusp of a historic achievement.
The Utilita Arena Birmingham witnessed a captivating display of athleticism and determination, and the crowd will undoubtedly be eager to see Sen take to the court once more in the final. The All England Open 2026 is shaping up to be a memorable tournament, and Lakshya Sen is at the heart of the action.
Key Takeaways:
- Lakshya Sen reached his second All England Open final, defeating Victor Lai in a three-game thriller.
- Sen battled severe cramps in the deciding game, showcasing remarkable resilience.
- He will face Lin Chun-Yi in the final, aiming to become the third Indian to win the prestigious title.
- Sen’s victory continues a strong showing for Indian badminton on the international stage.
Sen’s next challenge will be against Lin Chun-Yi in the final of the All England Open 2026. The match is scheduled for Sunday, March 8th at the Utilita Arena Birmingham. Stay tuned to Archysport for live updates and comprehensive coverage of the final.
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