On a stage where reputations are forged and legends are tested, Lakshya Sen delivered one of the most significant wins of his career.
The Indian shuttler knocked out World No. 1 and defending champion Shi Yu Qi in the opening round of the 2026 All England Open, prevailing 23-21, 19-21, 21-17 in a gripping 78-minute contest at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena. It was a result that reverberated across the badminton world.
Shi Yu Qi entered the tournament as the reigning All England champion and current World No. 1. Since the Thailand Open 2023, he had not suffered a first-round defeat in 37 consecutive tournaments an extraordinary streak of consistency at the highest level. Lakshya Sen ended that run.
A Statement From India’s No. 1
For Lakshya, this was more than an upset; it was a reaffirmation of his ability to compete with and beat the best in the world. The victory marked only his second win over Shi Yu Qi in six meetings and his first triumph over the Chinese star in their last five encounters. From the opening rally, the intensity was unmistakable.
Lakshya showed no signs of being overawed by the occasion or the opponent. He engaged Shi in long, tactical rallies, refusing to concede control in the mid-court exchanges where the Chinese shuttler is typically dominant.
Game 1: Margins and Nerve
The opening game was defined by fine margins and fluctuating momentum. Lakshya maintained a slight edge for much of the game, but Shi’s defensive retrievals and deceptive net play ensured the scoreboard remained tight. At 19-19, the rallies grew longer, the pace sharper.
Lakshya earned game point at 20-19 but was denied. Shi responded with characteristic composure, saving another at 21-20. However, the Indian held his nerve in the decisive exchanges. A precise cross-court winner followed by an error forced from Shi sealed the opener 23-21.
It was a psychological blow to the defending champion.
Game 2: Shi’s Response
Champions respond and Shi did exactly that.
In the second game, he raised the tempo, injecting more pace into his smashes and varying shuttle placement to disrupt Lakshya’s rhythm. The Chinese star built a slender lead midway through the game, forcing the Indian into defensive positions.
Lakshya fought back to close the gap, but Shi held steady in the closing phase. At 19-19, the World No. 1 produced two decisive points to take the game 21-19, leveling the match and setting up a decisive third.
At that stage, the momentum appeared to tilt towards the defending champion.
Game 3: Lakshya’s Finest Phase
The third game showcased Lakshya Sen at his tactical best.
Instead of attempting to overpower Shi, he relied on placement and patience. His net control improved markedly, and his defensive blocks forced Shi into repeated lifts. Lakshya capitalized on these opportunities with steep, well-directed smashes rather than reckless power. Midway through the decider, Lakshya edged ahead 11-8 at the interval.
Shi attempted to accelerate, narrowing the gap to 14-14, but Lakshya responded with a sequence of calculated attacks a body smash, a tight net kill, and a deep baseline push that forced an error.
At 19-16, the pressure intensified. Shi saved one match point, but Lakshya closed out the contest 21-17 with a composed final rally, sealing victory after 78 demanding minutes.
His performance in Game 3, in particular, reflected tactical maturity controlled aggression, structured defense, and unwavering belief.
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Shi Yu Qi’s run of 37 tournaments without a first-round exit underscored his dominance on the tour. To defeat him in the opening round of a Super 1000 event and that too at the All England Open magnifies the significance of Lakshya’s achievement. The All England Championships are not just another stop on the calendar. They carry historical weight and often demand a level of mental resilience distinct from other tournaments.
Lakshya delivered precisely that.
The win also reflects Lakshya’s positive start to the 2026 season. After rebuilding consistency over the past year, he appears sharper in shot selection and more disciplined in rally construction. His defensive retrievals against Shi were crucial. Rather than attempting early winners, Lakshya extended rallies, drawing errors and exploiting small openings. The patience he displayed contrasted sharply with some of their previous encounters, where impatience proved costly.
This victory could mark a turning point in their head-to-head dynamic.
Next Challenge: Angus Ng Ka Long
Lakshya now advances to the Round of 16, where he will face Hong Kong’s Angus Ng Ka Long an opponent he has yet to defeat in previous meetings. The challenge shifts immediately. Ng’s fast, attacking style and flat exchanges present a different tactical test compared to Shi’s structured rhythm. Lakshya will need to maintain the same level of concentration and precision.
However, after eliminating the defending champion, belief will not be in short supply.
Upsets at the All England are remembered long after the tournament ends. Lakshya Sen’s victory over Shi Yu Qi belongs in that category. It was not merely a win over a higher-ranked opponent. It was a triumph over the reigning champion, the World No. 1, and one of the most consistent players in recent badminton history.
In 78 minutes of high-quality badminton, Lakshya demonstrated composure, tactical intelligence, and competitive courage. The tournament moves forward, the draw tightens, and the demands intensify. But one fact is now etched into the narrative of the 2026 All England Open:
Lakshya Sen has arrived and he has done so by knocking out the very best.
