Lakshya Sen Advances to All England Finals After Thrilling Semifinal Victory

Lakshya Sen has made headlines by reaching the All England finals for the second time, following a challenging semifinal match against Canada's Victor Lai. Despite battling blisters, Sen showcased remarkable skill and determination, winning the match in a nail-biting three games. He will now face Lin Chun-Yi of Chinese Taipei in the final. This achievement not only highlights Sen's talent but also places him among the elite in badminton history. Read on to discover more about this thrilling match and what lies ahead for Sen in the finals.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 7, 2026, 22:37 IST

Lakshya Sen's Remarkable Achievement

Lakshya Sen has made history by becoming the second Indian athlete to reach two finals at the All England Championships, following his intense semifinal win against Canada's Victor Lai on Saturday.

The 24-year-old, who previously competed in the finals in 2022, triumphed over Lai despite battling blisters on his right toe, securing victory with scores of 21-16, 18-21, 21-15 after a grueling match lasting one hour and 37 minutes.

A Grueling Semifinal Clash

Sen's coach, Prakash Padukone, who won the All England title in 1980 and 1981, praised Sen's performance. The semifinal was a test of endurance, featuring numerous rallies that exceeded 50 strokes.

Sen's determination allowed him to seize the first game, which was tightly contested until he pulled ahead with four consecutive points after a 17-16 tie. However, Lai, the first Canadian to earn a medal at the BWF World Championships, responded strongly in the second game, leading 11-7 at the mid-game break. Despite struggling with blisters, Sen managed to equalize at 16-16, but Lai ultimately took the game.

In the deciding game, Sen's experience shone through as he took calculated risks, establishing a 15-9 lead. Lai, known for his resilience, narrowed the gap to 17-15, but Sen rallied again, winning four straight points to secure his place in the final.

Final Showdown Awaits

In the championship match, Sen will compete against Lin Chun-Yi from Chinese Taipei, the India Open champion, who defeated second seed Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand with scores of 21-14, 18-21, 21-16 in an hour and 18 minutes.