Chen Yufei Wins Indonesia Masters: Ahn Se-young Absent

Chen Yufei, the star of Chinese badminton, proved why she is still the best in the world in Jakarta while her ‘natural enemy’ An Se-young was away. In the 2026 Indonesia Masters (Super 500) women’s singles final held at Istora Senayan on January 25, Yupei Chen defeated Thailand’s nova Pichamon Opaniput with a set score of 2-0 (23-21, 21-13) and lifted the championship trophy. Chen Yufei, who had shaken off the disappointment of withdrawing from the semifinals of the Malaysia Open in early January, once again established herself as the only opponent who could shake up Ahn Se-young’s dominant system with this win.

The day’s final began with a fierce challenge from Opaniput, a 19-year-old rookie known as the ‘Badminton Princess’ in Thailand for her talent and star quality. Opaniput, who is not of actual royal bloodline but enjoys national popularity, pushed Chen Yufei to the brink in the first set and forced a close deuce match. But Chen Yufei did not waver. With skillful slow control, they won 23-21 and overcame the most difficult juncture of the 52-minute match. Ofaniput, whose momentum was lost, collapsed sharply in the second set, and Chen Yufei finished the game with 21-13, standing at the top of the Indonesia Masters for the first time in four years since 2022.

This win means more to Chen Yufei than just a title. This is because it is a valuable harvest in a desperate situation where the point gap with Ahn Se-young, currently ranked No. 1 in the world, must be narrowed. Ahn Se-young is maintaining first place with an overwhelming number of points, including winning the Indonesia Open (Super 1000) last year, but Chen Yu-fei clearly earned 9,200 championship points in this tournament, which Ahn Se-young did not attend for a strategic break. While Ratchanok Inthanon, winner of the 2025 Indonesia Masters, was eliminated in the quarterfinals and Ahn Se-young was away, Chen Yu-fei reaffirmed her strength in Jakarta and accelerated her pursuit of ranking points.

Chen Yufei’s attention now turns to the All England Open, the ‘mecca of badminton’, in March. Fans around the world are paying attention to whether she, who has recharged her confidence by winning the Indonesia Masters, will be able to regain the status of a true ‘champion’ in a real-life match against Ahn Se-young. The actions of Chen Yu-fei, who once again announced victory in Jakarta, are like a strong warning to Ahn Se-young, who is trying to protect the throne.