BIRMINGHAM, England – Lakshya Sen’s quest for All England Open glory ended in defeat on Sunday, falling to Lin Chun-yi of Chinese Taipei in the men’s singles final at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham. The 24-year-classic Sen secured a silver medal, going down 21-15, 22-20 in a 57-minute contest. This marks the second time Sen has finished runner-up at the prestigious tournament, having also reached the final in 2022.
Lin’s victory is historic, as he becomes the first men’s singles player from Chinese Taipei to win the All England Open Championships. He had previously claimed the India Open Super 500 title earlier this year, signaling his strong form heading into the Birmingham event. For India, the 25-year wait for a champion – with Prakash Padukone and Pullela Gopichand the previous Indian winners – continues.
The match unfolded with Lin immediately applying pressure, capitalizing on what appeared to be fatigue from Sen, who had already logged over five hours of court time throughout the tournament. Sen had overcome a challenging path to the final, defeating top seed Shi Yu Qi, Asian Games champion Li Shifeng and a resilient Victor Lai in a grueling 97-minute semifinal. That semifinal battle clearly took a toll.
Lin raced to an early lead in the first game, utilizing his signature jump-smash to disrupt Sen’s rhythm. While Sen demonstrated impressive defensive skills, retrieving seemingly impossible shots, Lin maintained control, leading 11-8 at the interval and ultimately closing out the game 21-15.
The second game saw a determined response from Sen. He raised the intensity of his rallies, forcing errors from Lin and stringing together six consecutive points to move ahead 9-4. However, Lin, known for his relentless play, gradually clawed his way back into contention, engaging Sen in extended rallies that tested the Indian’s stamina.
The game remained fiercely competitive, reaching a tense climax with Lin earning a match point at 20-19. Sen fought valiantly to save the first match point, but Lin ultimately sealed the victory on his second attempt, securing the championship 22-20. The close scoreline belies the physical and mental battle Sen endured.
Sen’s journey to the final was remarkable, showcasing his resilience and skill. He navigated a difficult draw, overcoming formidable opponents and demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure. His defensive prowess was particularly evident throughout the tournament, often leaving spectators in awe with his incredible retrievals. However, the accumulated fatigue from those prior matches proved to be a significant factor in the final.
The All England Open is considered one of the most prestigious tournaments in badminton, steeped in history and tradition. Winning the title carries significant weight within the sport, and Lin Chun-yi’s achievement marks a milestone for Chinese Taipei badminton. The tournament, held annually in Birmingham, attracts top players from around the globe, making it a highly competitive event.
While Sen leaves Birmingham without the title, his performance underscores his potential as a leading figure in men’s singles badminton. His consistent improvement and ability to challenge the world’s best players suggest a bright future for the young Indian shuttler. He will undoubtedly be looking to build on this experience and return even stronger in future tournaments.
What’s Next: Lakshya Sen is expected to compete at the French Open in May, as he continues his pursuit of major titles on the BWF World Tour. Official schedules will be released by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) in the coming weeks.
Archysport will continue to provide updates on Lakshya Sen’s progress and coverage of the BWF World Tour throughout the 2026 season.
