South Korea’s An Se-young wrote another chapter in world badminton history Sunday, winning her 11th title of the season to become the first player to achieve 11 wins in consecutive seasons in both men’s and women’s singles.
An defeated Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi 2-1 (21-12, 15-21, 21-16) in the final of the 2026 BWF World Tour Super 500 Korea Open in Yeosu, as reported by TSN Korea.
An Se-young Makes Mark with 11th Season Win
The victory confirms An’s place as a dominant force in women’s singles. Her achievement of 11 titles in a single season was previously set by herself in 2025 and by Japan’s Kento Momota in 2019 for men’s singles. By reaching 11 wins again in 2026, An has now done so in back-to-back campaigns, a feat achieved for the first time in both men’s and women’s singles.
An’s path to the Korea Open title was not without its challenges. She faced Yamaguchi, a world-class opponent, in a final that went to three games. An took the opener comfortably, 21-12, but Yamaguchi fought back to win the second game 21-15, forcing a decider. An then regained her composure, securing the third game 21-16 to clinch the match and her 11th trophy of the year.
Unprecedented Dominance: 71 Wins in 72 Matches
An’s performance throughout the 2026 season has been nothing short of historic. As of the Korea Open, she has competed in 72 matches, winning 71 and losing just one, for a staggering win rate of 98.6%. This surpasses her own record from the 2025 season, where she achieved a 94.8% win rate. Her sole loss this year came in March against China’s Wang Zhiyi in the All England Open.
This level of dominance highlights An’s exceptional ability to manage her game under pressure. Her strengths include a formidable defensive game that effectively counters opponents’ attacks, remarkable stamina that holds up during long rallies, and a tactical acumen that allows her to adjust her strategy mid-match. These attributes have been consistently on display, contributing to her 71 victories this season.
An Wins Korea Open After Demanding Tournament Schedule
The Korea Open victory was particularly significant given An’s recent schedule. After competing in the Asian Games, she took only a one-week break before traveling to Denmark and France for consecutive tournaments, winning both the Denmark Open and the French Open. Upon returning to Korea, she had just another week to rest before deciding to compete in the Korea Open, despite accumulating fatigue.
Her decision was rewarded with a victory in front of her home fans, further cementing her reputation as a player who thrives under demanding conditions. This relentless schedule and her ability to win through it demonstrate her extraordinary physical and mental resilience.
Chasing History: The Push for a 12th Title
With 11 titles already secured, An now has her sights set on a new milestone: a single-season record 12 wins. Should she win one more tournament this year, she will break the existing record held by Momota and herself. Her next opportunity comes at the BWF World Tour Final, scheduled to begin in Hangzhou, China, on December 9.
The World Tour Final is a season-ending event featuring the top players of the year, making it a highly competitive tournament where the field is condensed with the world’s best. An won this event last year to complete her 11-title season. Winning it again in 2026 would give her back-to-back titles at the final and secure her place in the record books.
Her path to a 12th title is plausible, given her consistent performance. However, the end of a season presents unique challenges. The cumulative fatigue and the intense competition at the final mean that her physical condition on the day of the match will be a critical factor in determining her success.
What’s Next: The Final Hurdle
An Se-young has already established herself as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport with her back-to-back 11-title seasons. The question now is whether she can elevate her legacy even further by achieving a 12th win in 2026.
Her focus will now shift to recovery and preparation for the World Tour Final. With a 98.6% win rate and an 11-title season already in the bag, all eyes will be on her as she attempts to add one more historic achievement to her remarkable year.
Earlier coverage: An Se Young Makes Badminton History with 11th Title at Korea Open
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