Indian badminton star Lakshya Sen produced one of the most memorable performances of his career to reach the final of the All England Open for the second time, defeating Canada’s Victor Lai in a marathon semifinal clash in Birmingham.
The Indian shuttler prevailed 21-16, 18-21, 21-15 in a gruelling 97-minute encounter, which now stands as the longest men’s singles match ever recorded at the All England Championships. The victory marked another historic milestone for Indian badminton, as Lakshya became only the second Indian to reach two All England finals, joining the legendary Prakash Padukone.
Padukone reached the summit clash in 1980 and 1981, famously winning the title in 1980. Lakshya first reached the final in 2022, and now returns to the championship match again in 2026, placing himself firmly among the great Indian performers at one of badminton’s most prestigious tournaments.
A Semifinal for the Ages
The semifinal against Victor Lai turned into a test of endurance, skill and mental strength. Lakshya began the contest confidently, controlling the rallies and dictating the tempo early in the match. His precise shot placement and superior court coverage helped him claim the opening game 21-16, putting him one step away from the final.
However, Lai the reigning World Championship bronze medallist responded strongly in the second game. The Canadian raised the pace of the rallies and forced Lakshya into longer exchanges, gradually turning the momentum in his favour. Despite Lakshya’s resistance, Lai edged the second game 21-18, pushing the contest into a decisive third game.
The physical demands of the match began to show during the final game. Lakshya was seen struggling with leg cramps and a blister on his foot, while the intensity of the rallies continued to rise. Yet the Indian shuttler refused to yield.
Drawing on remarkable determination, Lakshya maintained his attacking approach, combining sharp net play with powerful smashes to regain control. He eventually closed out the decider 21-15, sealing a hard-fought victory after 97 minutes of relentless badminton.
A Record-Breaking Battle
The dramatic semifinal etched its place in the history of the All England Championships.
The 97-minute contest matched the longest men’s singles match ever recorded at the tournament, equalling the famous 2006 semifinal between Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei. The match highlighted not only the technical quality of modern badminton but also the extraordinary physical endurance required to compete at the highest level.
Both players received praise for their resilience and sportsmanship after delivering one of the tournament’s most memorable encounters.
Lakshya’s Historic Achievement
By reaching the final once again, Lakshya strengthened his legacy in Indian badminton. The All England Open, first held in 1899, is widely considered the most prestigious tournament in badminton outside the Olympic Games and World Championships. For Indian players, success at this event carries enormous historical significance.
Prakash Padukone’s victory in 1980 remains one of the most iconic achievements in Indian sport. Since then, only a handful of Indian players have managed to reach the final stages of the tournament. Lakshya’s second appearance in the final places him alongside Padukone in an exclusive club of Indian shuttlers who have reached multiple finals at this prestigious event.
Fighting Through Pain
What made Lakshya’s semifinal triumph even more remarkable was the physical adversity he faced during the match. The Indian star battled through leg cramps and a painful blister, yet continued to push through the demanding rallies. At several points in the third game, it appeared the match could slip away as fatigue set in.
Instead, Lakshya demonstrated extraordinary mental strength. His ability to maintain focus under physical stress proved decisive, particularly in the closing stages where he produced several crucial winners to seal the match.
The performance showcased not only his technical skills but also the fighting spirit that has defined his rise in world badminton.
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Lakshya will now face Chinese Taipei’s Lin Chun Yi in the final. The Taiwanese shuttler has enjoyed an impressive run through the tournament and will present another formidable challenge for the Indian. However, Lakshya’s performance throughout the week has already demonstrated that he is playing some of his best badminton of the season.
After surviving two three-game battles earlier in the tournament and another marathon semifinal, recovery will be crucial ahead of the championship match.
Can Lakshya Emulate His Guru?
As Lakshya prepares for the final, the parallels with Prakash Padukone inevitably come into focus. Padukone not only reached the final twice he went on to win the title in 1980, becoming the first Indian to conquer the historic tournament. Lakshya now stands one match away from emulating that achievement.
Victory would not only mark a personal milestone but also represent a significant moment for Indian badminton, reinforcing the country’s presence among the sport’s global powers. For now, however, the focus will be on recovery and preparation after one of the toughest matches of his career.
After a historic semifinal triumph, Lakshya Sen has placed himself within touching distance of badminton immortality.
