*This content was translated by AI.View Original
This is the level of dominance held by An Se-young (Samsung Life), ranked No. 1 in the world in women's singles badminton. Even though her opponent was defeated decisively in just 36 minutes, local Malaysian media instead offered an assessment that she could take pride in her performance.
On the 5th, at the Jinnam Gymnasium in Yeosu, South Jeolla Province, An Se-young crushed Karupathevan Letshana (Malaysia, ranked No. 28 in the world) 2-0 (21-10, 21-12) in the Round of 16 of the women's singles at the 2026 Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour Korea Open (Super 500).
It took only 36 minutes to secure the victory. With this, An Se-young advanced to the quarterfinals, continuing her challenge toward her 11th title of the season.
However, local Malaysian media sent encouragement rather than criticism toward Letshana. Malaysian sports outlet Stadium Astro evaluated, "Letshana lost to An Se-young 10-21 and 12-21, but she can take pride in her performance."
There was a reason for this. The outlet stated, "This is because world No. 1 An Se-young has shown remarkable form this year," explaining that "An Se-young won every tournament she entered this year except for one occasion."
It continued, "An Se-young's only defeat came in the final of the All England Open last March. The only player to beat An Se-young this year is China's Wang Zhiyi," adding that "Letshana stepped into the Round of 16 at this tournament despite being in an absolute disadvantage."
On this day, An Se-young took control from the start of the first game by scoring five consecutive points. Although she allowed a chase to 10-7 later, she then scored eight straight points to pull ahead 18-7. She ultimately took the first game 21-10.
An Se-young's dominant performance continued in the second game as well. She established the lead early with a 5-0 advantage and widened the gap by scoring four consecutive points at 13-8.
Letshana also attempted a counterattack, but it was not enough to turn the match around. An Se-young closed out the second game 21-12 to secure a complete victory.
Stadium Astro found positive aspects in Letshana's performance despite the decisive loss. The outlet evaluated, "Letshana was completely pushed back in the first game, but there were moments where she displayed precise returns at the net, leaving An Se-young unable to move."
It also noted, "Letshana fought until the end in the second game as well, accumulating points against An Se-young," adding that "However, An Se-young, a strong title contender receiving cheers from home fans, ultimately secured victory in 36 minutes."
With this win, An Se-young extended her winning streak to 52 matches, recording a season record of 68 wins and 1 loss, with a winning percentage of 98.55%. She has not lost even once since falling to Wang Zhiyi in the final of the All England Open last March.
Her title record is also impressive. An Se-young has claimed the top spot at this year's Malaysia Open, India Open, Asian Championships, Singapore Open, Indonesia Open, World Championships, China Masters, Asian Games, Denmark Open, and France Open. She has already achieved 10 titles in the season.
Stadium Astro also paid attention to An Se-young's record-breaking run. The outlet introduced, "If An Se-young wins this tournament this coming Sunday, she will achieve her 49th career title," adding that "She is currently aiming for her 11th title of the year."
Now, An Se-young challenges another major record on home soil. If she conquers this Korea Open as well, she will achieve 11 titles in a season for the second consecutive year, following last year. Having won the Korea Open in both 2022 and 2023, she is also challenging for her third career title at this specific tournament.
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*This content was translated by AI.View Original
