The draw for the 2026 Yonex All England Open Badminton Championships, revealed today, sets up a highly anticipated first-round clash between world No. 1 Shi Yuqi of China and India’s Lakshya Sen at the Utilita Arena Birmingham, March 3rd to 8th.
Sen, a past winner in Birmingham, is considered a dangerous unseeded opponent, known for his defensive skills. The pairing immediately elevates the stakes for the tournament’s opening rounds. Shi Yuqi will be aiming for another All England title after a successful 2025 season that saw him progress to the round of 16, according to previous tournament reports.
Elsewhere in the top half of the draw, China’s Li Shifeng, the 2023 champion, will face compatriot Wang Zhengxing in the first round. This internal competition within the Chinese squad highlights the depth of talent vying for the championship. Should both players advance, they could meet in the quarterfinals.
The third seed, Denmark’s Anders Antonsen, currently in stellar form, will begin his campaign against Japan’s Koki Watanabe. France’s Alex Lanier, who has emerged as a legitimate contender, will play Canada’s Victor Lai.
In a separate match from the 2025 All England Open, Shi Yuqi overcame Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew 21-18 21-16, setting up a semi-final with compatriot Li Shifeng, who defeated Lakshya Sen. This prior result underscores the competitive dynamic between these players as they enter the 2026 tournament.
Lakshya Sen’s performance at the 2025 All England Open ended in the quarter-finals, where he lost to Shi Yuqi 21-10, 21-16. The 2026 draw presents an immediate opportunity for Sen to avenge that defeat.
