All England Open 2026: Lakshya Sen enters Final – Highlights

86-SHOT RALLY!

A long rally with both players happy to just keep going with zero attacking instinct. This has started to fell like a warm-up session. Who'll blink first?

Lakshya it is, as he suddenly ups the tempo and takes Lai by surprise. The Canadian manages to return the shuttle still, twice from an awkward position.

The umpire stops the rally. He feels the shuttle hit Lai's body in the defence. He is unhappy with that call, but can't do anything. The replays show, Lai was clean with the defence.

But unfortunately, it brings end to an 86-shot rally. Sen leads 5-4.

Lai equalises

Sen continues to operate full throttle and is jumping around the court. A good drop shot from the Indian, but unfortunately it has landed wide. Lai equalises at 4-4.

Not much it seems, as Lai wins the first point after that medical break and has reduced the deficit to a point at 3-4.

Medical attention for Lai

Victor Lai made a diving retrieve in the last rally and seems to have picked up an injury. He is bleeding from his right ring finger and requires medical attention.

Unfortunately for Lai, he is right handed. So how much is this going to affect his game?

Lakshya with a two-point lead

No drop in intensity so far in this match. Both players pushing hard. Lakshya on constant attacks and Lai on the defensive.

Sen leads 4-2 and it seems this will be a battle of will power and stamina. 

Long rallies continue...

A long rally early on and Sen emerges on top this time around with a good drop shot. Lai can't return. 2-1 for the Indian.

An error in judgement from Lai

Victor Lai with an error in judgement at the backline and it hands Lakshya Sen the first point in the decider. 1-0.

Lakshya Sen once again tending to his blister in the break. He will have to be his absolute best in the decider to break through Lai's defences. 

 

Victor Lai forces a decider!

Lai pulls Sen forward to the net for a defensive shot and the Indian has lifted wide. 

Victor Lai forces a decider. He wins the second game 21-18.

2 GAME POINTS, LAI!

Another long rally and Lai hangs on for the longest part with his trademark defensive returns. One of Sen's smashes is too powerful, however, to return. Sen trails 18-19.

Sen making Lai move to all four corners in the next rally. It just keeps going and going, before Sen tries to force things. He leaps onto the net and hits the shuttle flush into it after a 49-shot rally.

Lai has 2 game points!