Land Bank’s badminton team has achieved yet another milestone in the international arena. Left-handed player Chun-Yi Lin was crowned singles champion at the 2026 All England Open Badminton Championships (Super 1000)—one of the oldest and highest ranking tournaments in the UK with over a century of history. Lin became the first ever Taiwanese winner of this title.
Chun-Yi Lin is currently ranked No. 11 in the world. In January, he won gold at the “India Open (Super 750),” and bronze at February’s “German Open (Super 300).” He has now officially made a name for himself by winning the men’s singles at the “2026 All England Open (Super 1000).” This year, Lin took part in four international tournaments, taking home two golds and one bronze. In an attempt to recognize Lin’s achievements in winning two high ranking tournament titles, the Bank scheduled a commendation ceremony on March 19, 2026, awarding him NT$140,000 as a token of encouragement.
Competing as an unseeded player in this year’s “All England Open Badminton Championships (Super 1000),” Chun-Yi Lin defeated a fellow Taiwanese competitor in round 32. He went on to defeat World No. 4 and 2018 Asian Games gold medalist Jonatan Christie of Indonesia in round 16. In the quarterfinals, he faced World No. 5 Christo Popov of France—champion of last year’s finals and the previous week’s “German Open (Super 300).” After narrowly losing 1–2 to Popov in the semifinals a week earlier, Lin was determined not to repeat this defeat and secured a decisive 2-0 victory.
In the semifinals, Lin faced the tournament’s 2nd seed Kunlavut Vitldsarn of Thailand—world No. 2, 2023 BWF World Championships gold medalist, and 2024 Summer Olympics silver medalist. In the first game, Lin made some errors and trailed 7–11 at the technical timeout. In the second half, Lin found his form and produced a strong 8–1 run to turn the game around. After taking an 18-14 lead, he scored three straight points to win the set. In the second set, Lin saved two set points at 16-20, but he ultimately could not hold on, and his opponent tied the match. In the decisive set, Lin led 16-11 but was then pulled back to 16-16. In the end, he scored five straight points to secure the victory and advance to the final match.
Going into the gold medal match against India’s top player, Lakshya Sen (world No. 12), Lin held a dominant 4-0 head-to-head record. In the first set, Lin took control of the match and won 21-15. In the second set, Lakshya fought back and led by five points at one stage, but Lin’s patience paid off as he steadily narrowed the gap back to a tie. The set was a see-saw battle until Lin’s signature heavy smashes cemented his position, allowing him to reach his first championship point at 20-19. Although Sen saved the first match point, Lin quickly forced an error from his opponent, earning a second match point at 21-20. This time, Lin capitalized on the opportunity and did not let victory slip away, winning 22-20. With a remarkable 5-win record, he claimed the championship, becoming the first Taiwanese player to win the men’s singles gold medal in the 116-year history of the All England Open. His world ranking will rise to No. 8 this week, the highest of his career, as he strives toward his goal of representing Taiwan at the “2026 Asian Games.”
Established in 1976, the Bank has spared no expense in promoting Taiwan badminton for half a century. Each year, budgets amounting to tens of millions of New Taiwan dollars are made available to the team for upgrading training facilities and equipment, and hiring coaches and trainers, ensuring that players are kept in top form to compete internationally. In addition to Chun-Yi Lin’s outstanding achievements, Liao Jui-Chi, Chiang Tzu-Chieh, and the duo Lu Chen / Tsai Cheng-Han won women’s singles silver, men’s singles bronze, and men’s double bronze, respectively, at the Singapore International Series 2026. Moreover, Liao Cho-Fu and Su Li-Yang won two men’s singles bronze medals at the “Portugal International Championships 2026,” which took place last week. Since the beginning of the year, our badminton team has secured 4 gold, 3 silver, and 12 bronze medals in international and domestic tournaments, bringing their total medal count to 19.
Aside from our performance in these sporting competitions, the Bank has long been dedicated to promoting badminton and tennis. On January 9 this year, we received the “Gold Quality Award” and “Long-Term Sponsorship Award” in the Sponsorship Category as well as the “Gold Quality Award” in the Promotion Category of the “Sports Activist Awards” from the Ministry of Sports for the 17th consecutive year. The Bank also received the “2025 iTaiwan iSports Award” for the first time. At Land Bank of Taiwan, we support the development of badminton in Taiwan, aiming to fulfill our corporate social responsibilities, creating a bright future of sustainability for businesses, society, and the environment.
Contact person: Chun-Chang Li
Tel.: 02-2217-3271#121
