Birmingham, England – An Se-young of South Korea continued her remarkable run of form, defeating China’s Chen Yufei in a thrilling comeback victory at the 2026 All England Open Badminton Championships on Friday, securing her place in the final and moving one step closer to a historic title defense. The world number one showcased resilience and unwavering focus to overcome a tough opponent in a match that captivated fans at the Utilita Arena Birmingham.
An Se-young, 24, triumphed over Chen Yufei, ranked third in the world, with a score of 2-1 (20-22, 21-9, 21-12). The victory extends her impressive international winning streak to 36 matches, a testament to her consistent performance since October 2025. This marks her third appearance in the All England Open final and she has the opportunity to become the first Korean singles player to win the prestigious tournament in consecutive years.
The match was a hard-fought contest, with Chen Yufei, a perennial rival for An Se-young, taking the first game in a closely contested 22-20. Prior to Friday’s encounter, the head-to-head record between the two players stood at 14 wins apiece, highlighting the competitive nature of their matchups. However, An Se-young demonstrated her ability to adapt and raise her level when it mattered most.
After dropping the first game, An Se-young responded emphatically in the second, unleashing a dominant performance. Trailing 9-8, she rattled off seven consecutive points, seizing control of the momentum and leveling the match at 1-1. The third game saw An Se-young maintain her intensity, not allowing Chen Yufei a single opportunity to regain a foothold. She secured a decisive 21-12 victory, completing the comeback in a match that lasted one hour and 13 minutes.
This win isn’t just about reaching another final; it’s about continuing a remarkable period of dominance for An Se-young. Her ability to consistently perform at the highest level has established her as a force to be reckoned with in the world of badminton. The All England Open holds a special significance in the sport, and a victory here would cement her legacy as one of the greats.
An Se-young will now face Wang Zhiyi of China, ranked second in the world, in the final on Sunday, March 8th. The match is scheduled for 10:30 PM Korean Standard Time. This will be a clash between two of the top players in the world, and promises to be a captivating spectacle for badminton fans.
The success for South Korea didn’t stop with An Se-young. The world number one men’s doubles pair, Seo Seung-jae and Kim Won-ho, likewise advanced to the final, defeating Indonesia’s Raymond Indra and Nicolaus Hoakin 2-0 (21-19, 21-13). A victory for Seo and Kim would mark only the fourth time a Korean men’s doubles team has won the All England Open, and the first time since 1986 when Park Joo-bong and Kim Moon-soo achieved the feat. They are now aiming for back-to-back titles.
Adding to the Korean success, the women’s doubles duo of Baek Ha-na and Lee So-hee also secured their place in the final, defeating Malaysia’s Tan Pearly and Thinaah Muralitharan 2-0 (21-17, 21-18). A win for Baek and Lee would be their first All England Open title since 2024, marking a return to form for the highly-ranked pair.
The All England Open has a rich history in badminton, and this year’s tournament is proving to be a memorable one for South Korean athletes. With An Se-young, Seo Seung-jae/Kim Won-ho, and Baek Ha-na/Lee So-hee all in contention for gold, the nation has a strong chance of making a significant mark on the tournament’s legacy.
An Se-young’s journey to the final has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her unwavering determination, combined with her exceptional skill, has propelled her to the top of the badminton world. As she prepares for the final against Wang Zhiyi, all eyes will be on the Korean star to see if she can complete her quest for back-to-back All England Open titles.
The final between An Se-young and Wang Zhiyi promises to be a thrilling encounter. Both players are in excellent form, and the match is expected to be a closely contested affair. Badminton fans around the world will be eagerly tuning in to witness this clash of titans.
Key Takeaways:
- An Se-young defeated Chen Yufei 2-1 in the All England Open semi-final.
- She is aiming for her second consecutive All England Open title.
- Seo Seung-jae and Kim Won-ho also reached the men’s doubles final.
- Baek Ha-na and Lee So-hee advanced to the women’s doubles final.
The All England Open continues to deliver exciting badminton action, and the final promises to be a fitting climax to a thrilling tournament. Stay tuned for updates as An Se-young and her fellow Korean athletes compete for glory.
