Lakshya Sen Advances to Men's Singles Quarterfinals with Hard-Fought Victory Over Ng Ka Long Angus Lakshya Sen, the world No. 12 seed, delivered a determined performance to defeat Hong Kong’s Ng Ka Long Angus in a thrilling round-of-16 clash at the All England Open Badminton Championships on Thursday (March 5, 2026). The Indian shuttler, a 2021 World Championships bronze medallist and 2022 finalist, overcame a challenging match to secure a 21-19, 21-23, 21-10 victory, advancing to the quarterfinals where he will face either China’s Li Shi Feng or Ireland’s Nhat Nguyen. Sen acknowledged the difficulty of the encounter, reflecting on his tactical adjustments and mental resilience. “It was a very solid game, and I think both sets were competitive,” he said. “I didn’t play freely in the second set and gave too many easy shots for him to capitalize on.” Despite the setback, Sen emphasized his preparation for the third set, stating, “I was ready to go all out and happy with how I played in the final set.” He credited his focus on maintaining the same game plan as the key to his success. The match began with Sen facing an uphill battle, having lost all three previous encounters against Ng Ka Long. The Hong Kong player, a former world top 10 player, took an early 4-6 lead in the first game. However, Sen fought back, using aggressive returns and precise placement to reclaim control, eventually leading 15-11. A well-timed overhead attack extended his advantage to 17-13, though Ng Ka Long refused to surrender, closing the gap late in the game. Sen sealed the set with a decisive cross-court smash after Ng Ka Long hit wide. The second set saw Ng Ka Long mount a spirited comeback.#lakshya_sen #ng_ka_long_angus #all_england_open_badminton_championships #li_shi_feng #nhat_nguyen
Lakshya Sen Defeats World No. 1 Shi Yuqi in Thrilling All England Clash The All England Badminton Championships kicked off in Birmingham on March 3, 2026, with a dramatic opening-round encounter in the Men’s Singles category. Indian player Lakshya Sen stunned the world by defeating top-ranked Chinese star Shi Yuqi, the reigning champion and current world number one, in a tightly contested three-game match. Sen secured victories with scores of 23-21, 19-21, and 21-17, showcasing his resilience and tactical prowess against a formidable opponent. The result marks a significant milestone for Sen, who now progresses to the Round of 16, where he will face Hong Kong’s Ng Ka Long Angus in the next stage of the tournament. The match, which took place in the evening of March 3, was characterized by intense rallies and strategic exchanges, with both players demonstrating high-level skill and determination. Shi Yuqi, known for her aggressive playstyle, initially took control of the first set, but Sen’s ability to adapt and capitalize on key moments proved decisive. The second set saw a dramatic turnaround as Sen clawed back to level the series, setting the stage for a thrilling final game. His composure in the third set ultimately sealed his victory, sending shockwaves through the badminton community. Sen’s triumph highlights his growing reputation as a top-tier competitor on the global stage. The 20-year-old Indian player has been steadily climbing the rankings, and this win against a world No. 1 further cements his status as a serious contender in the sport. The upcoming Round of 16 match against Ng Ka Long Angus will test Sen’s ability to maintain his focus and intensity, as the competition continues to intensify.#birmingham #lakshya_sen #shi_yuqi #all_england_badminton_championships #ng_ka_long_angus
