Lakshya Sen out after losing to Li Shi Feng in quarter-finals, disappointment in men's doubles

Lakshya Sen's hopes of winning the All England Open Badminton 2025 title ended on Friday, March 14. The 2022 finalist lost 10-21, 16-21 in straight games in the quarter-finals against higher-ranked Li Shi Feng of China in Birmingham.

Lakshya struggled to regain the rhythm he showed in his win over defending champion Jonathan Christie on Wednesday. He lost in a one-sided match that lasted just 35 minutes.

Lakshya, who reached the final of the prestigious Super 1000 tournament in 2022, made a strong statement by impressively defeating title holder Christie on Thursday. Advancing to the quarterfinals against familiar opponent Lee, Lakshya had the advantage as the Chinese star had to stretch to three games in both his previous rounds.

Lakshya looked the sharper of the two players early in the match. He took a 4-3 lead but Li Shi Feng hit back and took full control. The Chinese star, ranked world number six, kept his composure and did not rush in his rallies. Lee defended brilliantly and did not give Lakshya a chance to score his winning goal.

This was Lee's fifth win in 12 encounters over Lakshya. The Indian shuttler will be disappointed that he missed the chance to beat his familiar opponent and make it to the semifinals for the second consecutive time.

With Lakshya's exit, India's singles campaign at the All-England Open ended in the third round. Earlier, HS Prannoy and PV Sindhu were eliminated in the first round, while veteran Akane Yamaguchi defeated rising star Malvika Bansod in the second round.

There was also disappointment in the men's doubles, when former world number one pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty withdrew from the second round due to injury on Thursday. However, Lakshya will be full of confidence after reaching the quarter-finals at the All England Open. Before the All England Open, Lakshya had to face defeat in the first round at the Malaysia Open and India Open in January.