India’s Lakshya Sen continued his impressive run at the All England Open 2026, battling past Hong Kong’s Ng Ka Long Angus in a thrilling three-game contest to book his place in the quarterfinals.
In a dramatic Round of 16 clash that lasted more than 80 minutes, Lakshya prevailed 21-19, 21-23, 21-10, finally registering his first victory over Ng Ka Long in their fourth meeting on the BWF World Tour.
The win marks Lakshya’s third consecutive quarterfinal appearance at the All England Championships and the fourth overall in his career, further establishing the Indian shuttler as one of the most consistent performers at the prestigious tournament in recent years.
Lakshya Starts Strong
Lakshya began the match with aggressive intent, taking control of the rallies early and forcing Ng Ka Long into defensive exchanges. The Indian shuttler used his trademark speed around the court and sharp net play to build a slight advantage through the opening phase of the match. While Ng Ka Long attempted to respond with quick attacking strokes and powerful smashes, Lakshya maintained composure in the longer rallies.
The opening game remained closely contested, with both players trading points through tight net duels and fast-paced flat exchanges. At the crucial stage of the game, Lakshya displayed impressive composure to edge ahead and close the opening game 21-19, taking the early advantage in the match.
Lakshya appeared to be on course to finish the match in straight games during the second game. The Indian shuttler controlled much of the rally tempo and pushed Ng Ka Long deep into the corners with precise placements. As the game approached its closing stages, Lakshya held four match points, putting him within touching distance of victory.
However, Ng Ka Long showed tremendous resilience to stay alive in the contest.
The Hong Kong player saved all four match points with fearless attacking play, forcing errors from Lakshya and turning the momentum in his favour. With renewed confidence, Ng Ka Long eventually clinched the game 23-21, pushing the match into a deciding third game.
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For Lakshya, it was a frustrating moment, as he had come extremely close to sealing the match in straight games.
Despite the disappointment of losing the second game after multiple match points, Lakshya responded with remarkable authority in the decider. The Indian shuttler raised his intensity significantly, dictating rallies from the very start of the third game. His defensive retrievals forced Ng Ka Long to play extra shots, while his attacking strokes began to find the sidelines with greater accuracy.
Lakshya quickly built a commanding lead and never allowed his opponent to regain control of the match.
The Hong Kong shuttler struggled to match Lakshya’s pace and precision as the Indian player dominated the exchanges. Lakshya eventually wrapped up the decider 21-10, completing a convincing victory and sealing his spot in the quarterfinals. The decisive nature of the third game ensured that the contest did not extend further despite the intensity of the earlier games.
Breaking the Ng Ka Long Barrier
The victory carries added significance for Lakshya as it represents his first win over Ng Ka Long Angus on the BWF World Tour. The two players had met three times previously, with the Hong Kong shuttler emerging victorious on each occasion. By finally overcoming that hurdle, Lakshya not only advances deeper into the tournament but also gains a psychological boost in future meetings.
Lakshya’s progression to the quarterfinals continues his impressive record at the All England Championships. The Indian shuttler has now reached the quarterfinal stage in three consecutive editions of the tournament, highlighting his ability to perform consistently at one of badminton’s most historic and competitive events.
The All England Open is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious tournaments in world badminton, often compared to a Grand Slam due to its legacy and the quality of the field. Lakshya previously reached the final in 2022, announcing himself on the global stage with a remarkable run that year.
Quarterfinal Clash Against Li Shi Feng
In the quarterfinals, Lakshya will face China’s Li Shi Feng, setting up a highly anticipated encounter. The two players share a balanced rivalry, with their head-to-head record currently tied at 7–7. This will also mark their second consecutive meeting at the All England quarterfinal stage, adding another chapter to an already intense rivalry between the two.
Li Shi Feng, known for his powerful attacking game and exceptional stamina, presents a significant challenge. However, Lakshya will draw confidence from his recent performances and the momentum built during the tournament.
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Lakshya’s path to the quarterfinals has been particularly impressive this year.
Earlier in the tournament, he produced one of the biggest upsets of the competition by defeating Shi Yuqi, the reigning world number one and defending All England champion. With two consecutive hard-fought three-game victories, Lakshya has demonstrated both physical endurance and mental resilience.
As the tournament moves into its decisive stages, the Indian shuttler will hope to maintain this momentum and push further toward another deep run at the historic All England Championships. For Indian badminton fans, Lakshya’s performances have once again sparked excitement, with hopes that he can challenge for the title at one of the sport’s most prestigious events.
