BIRMINGHAM, England – World No. 1 An Se-young of South Korea saw her title defense end at the Yonex All England Open Badminton Championships on Sunday, falling to China’s Wang Zhi Yi in straight sets. The match, held at the Utilita Arena Birmingham, concluded with scores of 15-21 and 19-21, marking Wang’s first victory over An since the BWF World Tour Finals in December 2024.
The defeat brings an end to An’s impressive 36-match winning streak in official competition, a run that began after a loss to Akane Yamaguchi of Japan at the Korea Open in September 2025. It also snapped a ten-match winning streak against Wang Zhi Yi, a rivalry that had heavily favored the Korean star until Sunday’s final.
Despite the loss, An Se-young graciously acknowledged Wang Zhi Yi’s stronger performance in the final. “It wasn’t my day,” An posted on Instagram, as reported by multiple sources. “I did my best, but my opponent played better.”
The All England Open, first held in 1899, remains the most prestigious tournament in badminton. This year’s 116th edition saw Wang claim the coveted title, ending An’s bid for a historic back-to-back singles championship – a feat not accomplished by a Korean player before.
An Se-young had a stellar 2025, capturing 11 international titles and tying the record for the most titles in a single season. However, she was unable to replicate that success in Birmingham, facing a determined opponent in Wang Zhi Yi. The match itself was a tightly contested affair, with both players displaying high-level skill and athleticism. Wang’s consistent play and ability to capitalize on key moments ultimately proved decisive.
The victory represents a significant milestone for Wang Zhi Yi, who had struggled against An Se-young in recent encounters. Her win at the All England Open signals a potential shift in the dynamic of their rivalry and establishes her as a formidable force in women’s singles badminton.
For An Se-young, the loss is undoubtedly a setback, but her overall record and consistent performance throughout 2025 demonstrate her status as one of the top players in the world. She will undoubtedly be looking to bounce back from this defeat and continue her pursuit of further success on the BWF World Tour.
The All England Open 2026 final showcased the growing depth and competitiveness of women’s singles badminton, with both An Se-young and Wang Zhi Yi demonstrating the skill and determination that make the sport so compelling. The match provided a thrilling conclusion to a week of intense competition in Birmingham.
Looking ahead, both players are expected to compete in upcoming BWF World Tour events. An Se-young will likely aim to regain her momentum and continue her quest for titles, while Wang Zhi Yi will be eager to build on her All England Open triumph and solidify her position among the elite players in the sport. The badminton world will be watching closely to see how this rivalry unfolds in the months to come.
This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
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