BIRMINGHAM, England – An Se-young of South Korea extended her remarkable winning streak to 35 matches on Wednesday, powering into the semifinals of the 2026 All England Open Badminton Championships. The world No. 1 defeated Indonesia’s Putri Kusuma Wardani, ranked sixth, 2-0 (21-11, 21-14) in just 39 minutes at the Utilita Arena Birmingham.
The victory puts An Se-young within striking distance of becoming the first Korean singles player to win back-to-back All England Open titles. She previously triumphed in 2023, defeating Chen Yufei and again in 2025, overcoming Wang Zhiyi. The All England Open, steeped in tradition as the oldest badminton tournament in the world – dating back to 1899 and now in its 116th edition – carries significant prestige within the sport. It’s a Super 1000 event on the BWF World Tour, boasting a total prize fund of $1.45 million.
An Se-young’s path to the semifinals wasn’t without a brief challenge in the first game. Trailing 5-6, she unleashed a dominant run of 11 consecutive points to seize control. She maintained that momentum throughout the second game, never relinquishing the lead against Wardani. This latest win continues a period of sustained success for the Korean star, who hasn’t dropped a match in international competition since the Denmark Open last October. She has since claimed victories at the Malaysia Open, India Open, and most recently, led the Korean women’s team to a historic first-ever title at the Asian Team Championships last month.
For many badminton fans unfamiliar with the nuances of the sport, the All England Open is often considered the most prestigious individual tournament, akin to a Wimbledon or a Masters in tennis. The tournament’s history is rich with legendary Korean players achieving success in doubles, but a consecutive singles title has remained elusive until An Se-young’s recent dominance.
Standing between An Se-young and a potential repeat championship is a familiar foe: Chen Yufei. The semifinal matchup on March 7th is highly anticipated, effectively serving as a de facto final between the two top players in the world. Their head-to-head record is remarkably even, with 14 wins apiece. However, An Se-young has gained the upper hand recently, winning four of their six encounters in 2025.
The rivalry between An Se-young and Chen Yufei has quickly become one of the most compelling storylines in badminton. Their contrasting styles – An Se-young’s aggressive, attacking game versus Chen Yufei’s more controlled and strategic approach – make for captivating matches. The close historical record adds another layer of intrigue, ensuring a high-stakes battle on Friday.
An Se-young’s consistency and ability to perform under pressure have been hallmarks of her recent success. Her relentless pursuit of perfection and unwavering focus have propelled her to the top of the world rankings and established her as a force to be reckoned with in the sport. The Korean player’s current form suggests she is well-positioned to continue her winning streak and potentially add another All England Open title to her growing list of accomplishments.
The semifinal clash against Chen Yufei will be a true test of An Se-young’s mettle. A victory would not only secure her place in the final but as well further solidify her position as the dominant force in women’s singles badminton. Fans can expect a thrilling encounter between two of the sport’s brightest stars, with the ultimate prize – the All England Open championship – hanging in the balance.
The match is scheduled for March 7th. Further updates and live scores can be found on the Badminton World Federation (BWF) website.
What are your predictions for the An Se-young vs. Chen Yufei semifinal? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Related reading
