An Se Young Makes Badminton History with 11th Title at Korea Open

An Se Young captured her 11th title of the season on Sunday at the $500,000 Korea Open, defeating Akane Yamaguchi 21-12, 15-21, 21-16 in Yeosu’s Jinnam Stadium, Hindustan Times reported.

The women’s singles final pitted the world No. 1 and reigning world and Olympic champion against her familiar rival from Japan. Yamaguchi entered the match as the second seed and defending champion, bringing immense class to the court.

An needed a hard-fought three games to secure the victory. The win brought her season tally to 11 titles, matching the remarkable benchmark she set previously.

Exactly a year prior at the same tournament, An suffered her last defeat against the Japanese star, Hindustan Times reported.

Since that loss, An has reeled off 11 victories against Yamaguchi. Their head-to-head ledger now stands at 24-15 in favor of the South Korean player.

The 2026 season has showcased a level of dominance rarely seen in modern badminton. An added crowns at the World Championships, Asian Games, and Asia Championships to her trophy cabinet.

Her golden march across the BWF World Tour also included victories at the Malaysia Open, India Open, Singapore Open, Indonesia Open, China Masters, Denmark Open, and French Open. Week in and week out, the world No. 1 has displayed incredible dominance.

Only three players or pairs in badminton history have ever achieved 11 titles in a single calendar year. An joined that exclusive club in 2025. Compatriots Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae achieved the feat last year in men’s doubles, matching the benchmark set by Japan’s Kento Momota in men’s singles in 2019, according to Hindustan Times.

An’s relentless style of play sets her apart from the elite field. Rather than relying on explosive power or high-risk winners, she treats every rally as a chess match of attrition, covering the court with poise until opponents crumble under the weight of their own errors.

The season does not end in Yeosu. The season-ending BWF World Tour Finals in Hangzhou beckons in December, where An will have the opportunity to claim an unprecedented 12th crown of the year, Hindustan Times reported.