An Se-young Dominates ‘Korean Derby’ to Reach 2026 Asia Championships Final

NINGBO, China — World No. 1 An Se-young proved exactly why she sits atop the badminton rankings on Saturday, delivering a clinical performance to dismantle compatriot Shim Yu-jin and secure her place in the women’s singles final of the 2026 BWF Asia Championships.

In a match that lasted just 36 minutes, An surged past Shim with a 2-0 victory (21-14, 21-9) at the Ningbo Olympic Sports Center. The result sets the stage for a historic opportunity: if An claims the title, she will complete a career Grand Slam, having already conquered the Olympics, the World Championships, and the Asian Games.

A Masterclass in Efficiency

While the matchup was billed as a “Korean Derby” between two close friends, An Se-young left no room for sentimentality once the match began. The first game remained competitive in the early stages, with the two athletes locked in a 10-10 stalemate. However, An shifted gears instantly, utilizing precise court placement and a rapid tempo to rip off five consecutive points, breaking Shim’s momentum and seizing control of the set.

The second game was less of a contest and more of a statement. An opened the set with a staggering 10-point consecutive scoring streak, effectively ending the match before Shim could find her rhythm. Combining sharp diagonal smashes and delicate hairpins, An forced the World No. 19 into deep defensive positions, wearing her down physically and mentally.

For global badminton fans, this level of dominance is becoming the hallmark of An’s current form. She didn’t just win; she dictated every single rally, showcasing a blend of impenetrable defense and aggressive attacking play that left Shim struggling to respond.

Friendship vs. Competition

The victory comes with a poignant backdrop. An and Shim are known to be very close, with Shim being three years An’s senior. Their bond extends beyond the court; when Shim was forced to withdraw from the Malaysia Open in January due to injury, An personally saw her off at the hotel during her departure for Korea.

However, the 2026 Asia Championships highlighted the professional divide between the two. Despite their off-court camaraderie, An’s approach was ruthless, demonstrating the mental fortitude required to maintain the world No. 1 ranking.

The Road to the Career Grand Slam

The stakes for An Se-young extend far beyond a single trophy. The BWF Asia Championships is the final piece of the puzzle for a Career Grand Slam in women’s singles. Achieving this feat would cement her legacy as one of the most complete players in the history of the sport.

To put this in perspective, a Career Grand Slam in this context requires winning the four most prestigious titles in the game. With the Olympic gold, World Championship title, and Asian Games gold already in her cabinet, the Ningbo final is the last hurdle.

More Success for Team Korea

An was not the only South Korean athlete to find success in Ningbo on Saturday. In the mixed doubles category, the pair of Kim Jae-hyun and Jang Ha-jung also advanced to the finals after defeating the Japanese duo of Watanabe and Taguchi.

An Se-young now awaits her final opponent, where she will look to cap off a dominant tournament and etch her name into the record books. Stay tuned for the final results as she chases badminton immortality.

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