Birmingham’s Utilita Arena witnessed history on March 3 as Lakshya Sen became the talk of the All England Open 2026. The Indian sensation dismantled defending champion Shi Yuqi 23-21, 19-21, 21-17 in a gripping 1-hour-18-minute encounter, eliminating the top seed in the Round of 64.
Sen’s first-game dominance was evident, surging to 17-10 with powerful clears and sharp angles. Shi responded aggressively, tying it at 18-17, yet Sen’s tactical patience prevailed, winning on a net cord winner.
Momentum shifted in the second as Shi’s experience took over. Sen trailed 13-19 but rallied to deuce territory before conceding 19-21.
Unyielding in the third, Sen showcased flawless defense-to-attack transitions, leading 16-11. He navigated Shi’s resistance, saving a match point scare before sealing victory on his fourth opportunity.
India celebrated further in mixed doubles, where Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto outlasted Malaysia’s Peng Ron-Cheng Su Yin 21-17, 21-19. Women’s singles brought disappointment, with Malvika Bansod crushed 21-11, 21-6 by Chen Yufei.
PV Sindhu’s absence, caused by Middle East logistics issues preventing her Dubai-Birmingham travel, placed extra pressure on the squad. Sen’s masterstroke not only avenges past losses but boosts India’s campaign in this marquee BWF event.