BIRMINGHAM, England – Wang Zhiyi of China etched her name into badminton history on Sunday, claiming the women’s singles title at the All England Open Championships in Birmingham. The victory, secured after a 21-15, 21-19 win over world No. 1 An Se-young of South Korea, marked a significant milestone for Wang, ending a frustrating 10-match losing streak against her rival and halting An’s remarkable 36-match winning run.
The final, played at the Utilita Arena, was a tense affair. After a dominant first game, Wang found herself in a tight second, leading 20-15 before An mounted a spirited comeback, narrowing the gap to 20-19. But Wang held her nerve, closing out the match with a precise cross-court smash that landed just inside the back line.
This triumph wasn’t just about winning a title. it was about overcoming a psychological barrier. Prior to Sunday, Wang had only secured four wins in 22 career meetings against An Se-young, and had lost their last ten encounters. The “An Se-young complex,” as some observers called it, had clearly weighed on the Chinese player.
The All England Open, founded in 1899 and organized by the Badminton World Federation, holds a special place in the sport’s history, often referred to as badminton’s “unofficial world championships.” It’s a Super 1000 tournament steeped in tradition and prestige, and Wang’s victory returns the women’s singles crown to China for the first time since Chen Yufei’s win in 2019. BWF World Tour highlighted the significance of this win for Wang.
Wang’s strategy proved crucial. Rather than engaging in a power game with the relentless An, she opted for a more patient approach, utilizing four-corner rallies to stretch the court and exploit An’s backhand. This tactical shift disrupted An’s rhythm and forced errors from the normally unflappable Korean.
“The key today was my mentality,” Wang explained in the mixed zone after the match. “In previous matches, I might not have stayed patient for so many shots. Today I did – and that’s when my opponent made mistakes.” She admitted to a moment of disbelief after the winning point, acknowledging the weight of the occasion and the significance of breaking her losing streak.
The victory is Wang’s 12th title on the BWF World Tour and arrives at a critical juncture in the lead-up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. It’s a statement win that not only boosts Wang’s confidence but also injects fresh momentum into the Chinese women’s badminton program. The win also shattered An Se-young’s aura of invincibility, proving that even the most dominant players can be challenged.
Chinese Dominance Extends to Women’s Doubles
The success for China didn’t stop with Wang. Earlier on Sunday, Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning secured the women’s doubles title, defeating South Korea’s Baek Ha-na and Lee So-hee 21-18, 21-12. This victory marked their first All England title and extended their impressive season-long winning streak to 15 matches. It also restored Chinese dominance in the women’s doubles event, a title they hadn’t held since 2019.
“I think we tried our best for this game. We prepared a lot for it, so now it is finally finished, it is very exciting that we are first-time All England champions,” Tan Ning said after the match. Liu Shengshu added, “I spot a lot of names of people that I know in person (on the trophy) – our teammates in previous years, also including our coach – and it is a good story that the trophy has been passed down.”
Men’s Team Struggles in Birmingham
Still, the Chinese men’s team faced a disappointing tournament. Defending champion Shi Yuqi suffered a shock first-round defeat to India’s Lakshya Sen, and his compatriots Lu Guangzu, Weng Hongyang, and Wang Zhengxing also exited the tournament early. Li Shifeng managed to reach the quarterfinals but ultimately fell to Sen. Chinese pairs also failed to reach the finals in mixed doubles and men’s doubles, creating a stark contrast to the success enjoyed by their female counterparts.
Despite the men’s struggles, Wang Zhiyi’s victory stands as a testament to her perseverance and tactical acumen. Her coach, Luo Yigang, playfully reminded her after the match that the grueling morning training sessions were ultimately the key to her success. Wang, still processing her win, responded with a lighthearted promise to return to training upon her return home.
In a post on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, Wang expressed her disbelief and gratitude: “Unbelievable!!! Finally unlocked the All England title. Thank you to my team and everyone who supports me. I’ll get back to training when I return.”
For years, Wang had been chasing An Se-young without success. On Sunday night in Birmingham, she finally caught her, claiming her place as the latest queen of England.
What’s Next?
Both Wang Zhiyi and An Se-young are expected to compete in the upcoming Singapore Open in April, offering a potential rematch for badminton fans. The tournament will provide a crucial opportunity for both players to assess their form and prepare for the challenges ahead in the 2028 Olympic cycle.
What are your thoughts on Wang Zhiyi’s stunning victory? Share your comments below!
