BIRMINGHAM, England – In a clash of titans at the Yutilita Arena in Birmingham, England, South Korea’s An Se-young will face off against China’s Chen Yufei in the semifinals of the 2026 All England Open (Super 1000) on Friday, March 8th (2:50 AM Korean Standard Time). The match pits the current world number one against a resurgent Chen Yufei, setting the stage for a compelling battle for a place in the final.
An Se-young continued her remarkable run of form in the quarterfinal, defeating Indonesia’s Putri Kusuma Wardani 2-0 (21-11, 21-14) and extending her winning streak to an impressive 35 consecutive matches. This victory surpasses the 34-match streak previously held by China’s Xie Xingfang, the wife of badminton legend Lin Dan. The 24-year-old is now within reach of equaling the all-time record of 59 consecutive wins set by Indonesia’s Susi Susanti between 1993 and 1994.
However, standing in her way is a familiar foe in Chen Yufei. The head-to-head record between the two players is remarkably even, with 14 wins apiece across 28 encounters. While An Se-young held a 6-2 advantage over Chen Yufei last year, the Chinese player remains a formidable opponent, particularly after recently regaining her form.
The rivalry has been marked by significant moments. Last August, Chen Yufei defeated An Se-young 2-0 in the semifinals of the World Championships in Paris, halting An Se-young’s pursuit of a second consecutive major title. A highly anticipated rematch at the Malaysia Open in January was prevented when Chen Yufei was forced to withdraw due to an ankle injury.
An Se-young enjoyed a dominant 2025 season, tying the record for most singles titles in a single year (11 wins), achieving the highest win percentage in badminton history (94.8%), and becoming the first player to surpass $1 million in single-season earnings. Despite this success, the loss to Chen Yufei at the World Championships served as a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead.
Chen Yufei demonstrated her resurgence by winning the Indonesia Masters recently, signaling her return to peak condition. She is widely considered one of An Se-young’s most challenging opponents, and this semifinal promises a fierce contest. For An Se-young, a victory would not only secure her place in the final but also move her closer to Susanti’s seemingly untouchable record. It would also put her in contention to become the first Korean singles player since Bang Soo-hyun in 1996 to win the All England Open three times, and to achieve back-to-back titles.
“I will just do my best, be patient, and focus on the match,” An Se-young stated, outlining her approach to the crucial semifinal. Chen Yufei echoed a similar sentiment, declaring, “I will pour everything out on the court.”
The All England Open holds a special place in badminton history, and this semifinal is shaping up to be a classic encounter. Fans can expect a high-intensity battle between two of the world’s best players, with a place in the final – and a potential piece of history – at stake.
Following the semifinal match, the winners will advance to the final on Sunday, March 9th, where they will compete for the prestigious All England Open title. The tournament continues to captivate badminton enthusiasts worldwide, showcasing the skill and athleticism of the sport’s top competitors.
What are your predictions for this highly anticipated match? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
