All England Open: Lakshya Sen stuns World No 1 Shi Yu Qi – HIGHLIGHTS

Treesa Jolly-Gayatri Gopichand in action

The women's doubles pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand, who have reached the semi-finals of All England Open Super 1000 twice, are the next Indians in action on the opening day.

Treesa-Gayatri are up against Japan's Sayaka Hirota and Ayako Sakuramoto.

🚨#News l 🇮🇳 Lakshya Sen powers through the first round against World No 1 at the All England Open 2026🏆

In an absolute Marathon 💪 of a first match of Men's Singles which lasted 78mins,
🇮🇳 Lakshya Sen beats Defending Champion and World No1 China's Shi Yu Qi 🇨🇳 in three games🔥… pic.twitter.com/0s1oS2uIFj

— The Bridge (@the_bridge_in) March 3, 2026

LAKSHYA SEN WINSSS!

One match point is all Shi Yu Qi could save tonight. He struggled with his lifts all through out and it is that particular shot which brings his downfall. Lifts from the net, but it lands long.

Lakshya Sen turns to his coach, who has a wide smile on his face, and gives him a hug. Doesn't overdo the celebration and runs to acknowledge Shi at the net before acknowledging the crowd.

It took him 78 minutes today and nearly three years in total to break past Shi Yu Qi, but he has done it at one of the biggest tournaments.

Sen wins 23-21, 19-21, 21-18!

Shi saves first match point

Shi Yu Qi saves the first match point, with a brilliant shot onto Sen's body. Sen leads 20-17.

4 MATCH POINTS!

An error at the net from Shi Yu Qi and Lakshya Sen has four match points!

Lakshya keeps at it

Shi Yu Qi wins three points in a row, but Lakshya has pulled two points back of his own. The latter with a brilliant down-the-line smash. The Indian leads 18-14.

Lakshya with a five-point advantage

There seems to be no drop in intensity from Sen at this moment, while Shi Yu Qi looks tired. Top class fitness on display from Sen as he opens up a five-point lead at 16-11.

Sen with the advantage

Lakshya Sen ekes out a slender 11-9 lead in the decider. Expect Shi Yu Qi to hit back harder after the change of ends.

We are in for an exciting finish! 

Intense battle

Neither players willing to give the other even the slightest of chances. They are matching each other shot-for-shot. 6-6 in the decider. Thrilling badminton!