The sensational Lakshya Sen has reached the All England Open 2026 final after defeating World No.16 Victor Lai of Canada 21-16, 18-21, 21-15 in a thrilling semifinal on Saturday in Birmingham, despite blisters on his toe and cramps slowing him down.
The Indian top shuttler, who had already scythed away his biggest threat World No.1 and defending champion Shi Yuqi in the first round, seemed confident from the start. But so was Victor, who became the first Canadian man to reach the semifinals in the world’s oldest badminton tournament.
The match was a nail-biting battle from the outset. The score swung back and forth, 1-1, 6-6, 7-7, 8-8… and so it continued. At the interval, the Indian managed to edge ahead 11-10.
Tied at 13-13, Sen decided to attack, smashing relentlessly to take a 20-16 lead and seal the first game 21-16.
Rally of total commitment. 😳
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#BWFWorldTour #AllEngland2026 pic.twitter.com/8eUNMwpgAa— BWF (@bwfmedia) March 7, 2026
Lakshya Sen Battling Blisters And Cramps
The second game brought new challenges. Trailing 4-8 and visibly struggling with his injuries, the Indian fighter slowed down but never gave up. Victor pushed hard, eventually taking the game 21-18, leaving the battle hanging on the decider.
The third game came as a testament to Sen’s determination. Tied at 4-4, the rally stretched for 86 shots, ending with Sen taking the point after Victor committed a foul.
From 7-5, the Indian surged to 11-7 at the interval, despite struggling with cramps and even receiving a yellow card. Pushing through, he attacked fiercely, hitting shots at 354 km/h and taking a 16-12 lead. Victor tried to close the gap, but Lakshya did not let it happen for long, eventually winning 21-15, even while visibly cramping on one leg.
With this victory, Lakshya Sen reaches his second All England Open final, just one win away from joining the elite club of only two Indian men who have won the title: Prakash Padukone and Pullela Gopichand.
In the final, Lakshya Sen will face Lin Chun Yi of Taiwan.
