Lin Chunyi Wins 2026 All England Men's Singles

BIRMINGHAM, England – Lin Chunyi of Chinese Taipei claimed the men's singles title at the 2026 All England Open Badminton Championships on Sunday, defeating India's Lakshya Sen 21-15, 22-20 in a tightly contested final that marked the first victory for a player from his country in the event's storied history.

The 57-minute match showcased both players' resilience, with Lin, ranked world No. 11, delivering precise smashes and net play to secure the opening game after jumping to an early 6-2 lead and maintaining control post-interval. Sen, the world No. 12, mounted a strong challenge in the second game, surging to a 9-4 advantage and forcing deuce at 19-19 after saving a championship point. However, Lin remained composed, clinching the win with a decisive attacking rally that prompted an error from Sen. "Being able to play this tournament and winning it is a dream come true," Lin said afterward.

Sen's run to the final highlighted his growing prowess, beginning with a stunning first-round upset over world No. 1 and defending champion Shi Yuqi of China in a 78-minute thriller, 23-21, 19-21, 21-17. He relied on explosive smashes and deceptive wristwork to wrong-foot the top seed, who...