The All England Open Badminton Championships remain one of the most prestigious tournaments in the sport’s history.
For Indian badminton, the tournament carries special significance, having produced iconic champions like Prakash Padukone in 1980 and Pullela Gopichand in 2001. In 2026, Lakshya Sen once again carried India’s hopes deep into the tournament, producing a memorable run to the final before eventually settling for the silver medal after losing 21-15, 22-20 to Chinese Taipei’s Lin Chun-Yi.
For the 24-year-old Indian, this marked his second runner-up finish at the All England, four years after his breakthrough final appearance in 2022. However, the 2026 campaign stood out not only for the result but for the remarkable path Sen carved through the draw, defeating elite opponents including the world No. 1 and enduring a physically exhausting semifinal that defined his tournament.
Over five days in Birmingham, Sen spent more than five hours on court, producing a sequence of high-quality performances that highlighted both his tactical growth and physical resilience.
A Statement Win Against the World No.1
Lakshya Sen’s campaign began with perhaps the toughest possible test a first-round clash against world No.1 Shi Yu Qi of China.
Shi, known for his deceptive net play and relentless pace, had historically troubled Sen, and many expected the Chinese star to progress comfortably. Instead, the Indian produced one of the most impressive wins of his career. The opening game was a tense contest. Sen built an early lead through aggressive attacking play and clever changes of pace. Shi attempted a late comeback, saving multiple game points to force the score to 20-20, but Sen held his nerve to clinch the game 23-21.
Shi responded strongly in the second game, increasing the tempo and dominating the mid-court exchanges to take the set 21-19 and force a decider.
In the third game, Sen showed remarkable composure. Leading narrowly at the mid-game interval, he shifted into an attacking mode, mixing steep smashes with tight net shots to disrupt Shi’s rhythm. The Indian eventually sealed the match 21-17, recording a huge upset and announcing himself as a serious title contender.
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The Round of 16 brought another challenge Ng Ka Long Angus of Hong Kong, an opponent against whom Sen had struggled in previous meetings.
The match turned into a gripping contest lasting over 80 minutes. Sen began strongly, dictating the rallies and pushing Angus deep into the corners to take the first game 21-19. However, the second game saw a dramatic twist.
Leading 20-17, Sen appeared to be on the verge of victory, but Angus mounted a remarkable comeback, saving multiple match points before snatching the game 23-21. For many players, such a setback could have proved mentally damaging. Instead, Sen responded emphatically in the deciding game. He tightened his defence, reduced unforced errors and dominated the rallies with precise placement.
The result was a commanding 21-10 victory in the third game that secured his place in the quarterfinals.
Quarterfinal Redemption Against Li Shi Feng
In the quarterfinals, Sen faced Li Shi Feng, the Chinese world No.6 who had previously beaten him in several encounters. This match carried an element of redemption for the Indian.
From the start, Sen set a blistering pace. His attacking intent prevented Li from settling into his defensive rhythm. Sharp smashes and clever changes in shuttle placement helped Sen take the opening game 21-13. Li attempted to slow the tempo in the second game, engaging Sen in longer rallies to test his stamina. But Sen remained composed, continuing to mix power with precision.
With smart tactical play and excellent court coverage, the Indian closed out the match 21-16, reaching the All England semifinals once again.
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If the earlier rounds demonstrated Sen’s tactical maturity, the semifinal against Victor Lai of Canada tested his physical limits. The match lasted 97 minutes, one of the longest contests of the tournament. Right from the opening rally, it was clear that the contest would be physically demanding. Both players engaged in extended rallies, some exceeding 50 shots, pushing each other to the limit. Sen took the first game 21-16, using sharp attacking bursts to break through Lai’s resilient defence.
Lai responded by raising his defensive intensity in the second game. The Canadian forced Sen into longer exchanges and eventually took the set 21-18, sending the match into a decider. By the third game, fatigue had visibly set in. Sen struggled with cramps and appeared physically exhausted after the gruelling exchanges.
Yet the Indian refused to give in.
Relying on pure determination, Sen switched tactics attacking aggressively instead of engaging in extended rallies. The strategy paid off as he powered his way to a 21-15 victory in the decider. The win secured Sen’s second All England final but also came at a physical cost. By the time he reached the championship match, he had already spent over five hours on court during the week.
The Final: A Brave Fight Against Lin Chun-Yi
In the final, Sen faced Lin Chun-Yi, a fast and aggressive player from Chinese Taipei who had enjoyed a comparatively easier path through the draw.
From the beginning, the physical toll of the previous matches was evident. Lin started strongly, using sharp cross-court smashes and quick movement to take the first game 21-15. Sen struggled initially to find rhythm but gradually settled into the match.
The second game saw the Indian raise his level significantly. He pushed Lin into longer rallies and even built a 10-5 lead, raising hopes of forcing a deciding game. However, Lin remained composed and began clawing his way back into the contest. The closing moments of the match were dramatic. Sen saved one championship point with a brilliant rally, refusing to surrender despite visible fatigue. But on the next point, Lin sealed the match 22-20, claiming the All England title.
A Campaign That Strengthened Sen’s Legacy
Although the final ended in defeat, Lakshya Sen’s 2026 All England campaign reaffirmed his status as one of the world’s leading men’s singles players.
The run included:
- A win over world No.1 Shi Yu Qi
- A comeback victory against Ng Ka Long Angus
- A commanding win over Li Shi Feng
- A heroic 97-minute semifinal marathon
Few players could have navigated such a demanding path. For Indian badminton, Sen’s performance also carried historical significance. He became only the second Indian male player after Prakash Padukone to reach multiple All England finals.
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At just 24 years old, Lakshya Sen still has several peak years ahead of him.
His 2026 All England campaign demonstrated improved tactical maturity, resilience under pressure and the ability to compete with the very best in the world. The silver medal may not have been the result he wanted, but the journey itself showed that Sen remains firmly among the global elite.
And if this marathon week in Birmingham proved anything, it is that Lakshya Sen’s pursuit of the All England crown is far from over.
