‘Sen’sation! India's star storms into All England quarterfinals

The YONEX All England Open Badminton Championships 2026 delivered a rollercoaster of emotions today as fans witnessed stunning performances, nerve-wracking matches, and a few shocking exits. The third day of the tournament saw India’s Lakshya Sen battle his way into the quarterfinals, while former world champion Loh Kean Yew staged a thrilling comeback in a marathon clash.

In the men’s singles, Lakshya Sen overcame Hong Kong’s Ng Ka Long Angus in a pulsating three-game encounter, with scores of 21‑19, 21‑23, 21‑10. Sen showcased remarkable composure after dropping the second game, dominating the decider to seal his place in the quarterfinals. Fans hailed his resilience and tactical brilliance, which promises an exciting run in the last eight.

Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew delivered another highlight of the day, defeating Japan’s Kodai Naraoka in a grueling 93-minute match. Loh’s comeback from a set down exemplified his experience and fighting spirit, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats.

However, the day was not without surprises. The Indian men’s doubles duo, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty , faced an early exit, suffering a shock defeat in the first round. Meanwhile, mixed doubles pairing Callum Hemming and Estelle Van Leeuwen fell short in their match, succumbing to 21‑14, 21‑12 losses amid unforced errors that cost them dearly.

In other men’s singles action, Kunlavut Vitidsarn from Thailand secured a tight 2‑1 win over his French opponent, advancing confidently to the quarterfinals. Across categories, the Round of 16 matches concluded today, setting up a highly competitive final eight.

As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more thrilling encounters, with India’s Lakshya Sen and top contenders like Loh Kean Yew leading the charge. With quarterfinals scheduled next, the All England Open promises drama, skill, and world-class badminton in the days ahead.