All England Open LIVE: Lakshya Sen beats World No 1 – Updates, Results, Scores, Blog

Crasto-Kapila WINNN!

They were made to work hard, were Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto. But the Indians hold steady to win the opening round match 21-17, 21-19!

First win of the 2026 All England Open for India!

Brilliant defence from Shi Yu Qi

Lakshya Sen on the attack in possibly the longest rally of the match. He hammers shot-after-shot but the defence from Shi is on point.

The Indian eventually jabs at a shot and it fails to cross the net. Sen leads 18-15.

Some confusion for Lakshya Sen

A successful challenge from Lakshya Sen but he seems to be confused. He feels the score should be 14-9 in his favour after the challenge and not 13-9 as the umpire says.

Eventually he carries on. It was indeed 13-9.

Doesn't take too long for Sen to make it 14-9 though, as he wins the next point.

Kapila-Crasto trail!

Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto are trailing 9-11 at the second mid-game interval. Can they close it out in straight games?

Lakshya Sen with the lead

Lakshya Sen has opened up a good lead at the mid-game interval. He is up 11-7 against the world No 1.

Shi Yu Qi equalises

Shi Yu Qi has bounced back to level things up at 6-6 as both players continue to match each other shot for shot. Neither seem to be going at the full throttle for now.

But Lakshya Sen surely has brought out a new look. He is spotting a beard now. First time, I think.

Lakshya Sen with a good start

Lakshya Sen getting the better off the early exchanges as he opens up a 5-2 lead. Both players moving well on court.

Crasto-Kapila win opening game

The Malaysians mounted a late comeback in the opening game, but Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto hold on. They win the opening game 21-17.

Lakshya Sen on court!

Lakshya Sen strides out to the main court for his men's singles opening round.

He is up against world No 1 Shi Yu Qi in what will be a tough challenge.

Sen has not beaten Shi since his win their first-ever encounter at the 2023 Asian Games team event.

Crasto-Kapila LEAD!

Tanisha Crasto and Dhruv Kapila have opened up an nice little advantage at 11-7 in the opening game. Can they build on this momentum?