"Even her strengths could not be displayed before Queen An Se-young" Japanese media acknowledge overwhelming skill... Gunji defeated in just 37 minutes

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Japanese specialist media acknowledged the decisive defeat of the opponent, recognizing the overwhelming performance of An Se-young (Samsung Life Insurance), the "Queen" of Korean badminton. Japan's Gunji Riko (world No. 20) knelt in defeat without being able to leverage even her own strengths.

Japanese badminton specialist media Badminton Spirit reported on the results of the quarterfinals at the 2026 Korea Open on the 6th (Korean time), stating, "Gunji suffered a straight-set loss against Queen An Se-young without being able to utilize her strengths."

Indeed, An Se-young's performance was overwhelming. On that day, at the Jinnam Gymnasium in Yeosu, South Jeolla Province, An Se-young crushed Gunji 2-0 (21-7, 21-13) in the women's singles quarterfinals of the 2026 Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour Korea Open (Super 500).

The match lasted only 37 minutes. During the two games, An Se-young allowed Gunji a total of just 20 points.

In particular, the gap between the two players was clearly evident from the first game. Leading 10-7, An Se-young scored an incredible 11 consecutive points to close out the first game at 21-7.

The flow did not change in the second game either. An Se-young maintained the initiative with her characteristic tenacious defense and sharp attacks. Gunji attempted a counterattack but struggled to break through An Se-young's solid defense. Ultimately, An Se-young took the second game 21-13, easily ending the match.

An Se-young's momentum shows no sign of slowing. With this victory, she has extended her winning streak to an impressive 53 matches. Her record in international tournaments this year is 69 wins and 1 loss in 70 matches. Her win rate reaches a remarkable 98.57%.

An Se-young's only defeat this year was against Wang Zhiyi (China) in the All England Open final in March. Since then, she has continued to rack up victories without a loss.

Having already lifted the championship trophy 10 times this season, An Se-young is aiming for her 11th title of the season at this Korea Open. She is also targeting a tie with her personal record for most titles in a single season set last year.

Recently, she has been on a grueling schedule, competing in the Denmark Open and French Open following the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Although concerns were raised about physical fatigue, she demonstrated her continued dominance by consecutively winning the Denmark Open and French Open.

She is continuing to display formidable performance at this Korea Open as well. Backed by the enthusiastic support of home fans, she is cruising toward another victory.

Overseas badminton specialist media Badminton Planet also praised her on the 6th, stating, "An Se-young once again showcased overwhelming performance against Japan's Gunji Riko in front of home fans."

An Se-young's next opponent is also a Japanese player. She will face world No. 16 Aketsu Hina in the women's singles semifinal on the 7th.

Aketsu caused an upset in the quarterfinals by defeating fellow Japanese player and world No. 7 Miyazaki Tomoka 2-1 (13-21, 23-21, 21-8).

In the other semifinal, world No. 2 Yamaguchi Akane will face Taiwan's Lin Xiangti. If An Se-young and Yamaguchi both win, a showdown between badminton powerhouses from Japan and South Korea will take place in the final.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original