Lakshya Sen defeated Victor Lai in a thrilling semifinal match at the All England Open 2026, securing his place in the final with scores of 21-15, 18-21, 21-16. The match lasted one hour and 37 minutes, showcasing intense rallies that often exceeded 40 shots.

This victory marks Lakshya’s second appearance in the All England final, having previously reached the final in 2022. He aims to become only the third Indian to win the prestigious Super 1000 title, joining the ranks of legends in Indian badminton.

In a remarkable journey to the final, Lakshya defeated World No. 1 Shi Yuqi in the opening round and World No. 6 Li Shifeng in the quarterfinals. His performance has drawn attention not only for his skill but also for his resilience, as he battled cramps during the deciding game against Lai.

During the semifinal, chair umpire’s question, “Do you want to play or retire?” highlighted the physical demands of the match. Lakshya’s determination was evident as he punched the air in delight after securing his victory, while his coach Yoo Yong-sung watched with pride.

PV Sindhu, a fellow Indian badminton star, remarked that the marathon battle reminded her of the 2017 World Championships final, underscoring the significance of this match in the context of Indian badminton history.

Notably, Lakshya Sen is only the second Indian shuttler to reach the All England final twice, following the legendary Prakash Padukone. His journey reflects the growing prominence of Indian players on the global badminton stage.

As Lakshya prepares to face Lin Chun-Yi in the final, expectations are high for his performance. Observers are eager to see if he can clinch the title and further elevate his status in the sport.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final match’s scheduling and any potential injuries Lakshya may be managing, including painful blisters on his right toe that he battled during the semifinal.

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