An Se-young clinches 47th title at Denmark Open, breaks all-time women's singles record
Synopsis
An Se-young didn't just win the Denmark Open — she rewrote badminton history. Rallying from 5-11 down in the decider, the 24-year-old South Korean claimed her 47th international title to surpass Indonesian legend Susi Susanti, all while nursing a slip injury on court. Her season record now stands at 61 wins and one defeat.
Key Takeaways
An Se-young claimed her 47th international title at the Denmark Open on 19 October , becoming the most decorated women's singles player in badminton history.
She surpassed Indonesian legend Susi Susanti by one title with the victory.
An rallied from 5-11 down in the deciding game to beat Japan's Akane Yamaguchi 21-23, 21-14, 21-18 in 78 minutes .
It was her ninth singles title of the season; her 2024 record now stands at 61 wins and one defeat .
An suffered a slip during the second game and said she would assess her condition before deciding her next steps.
France's Alex Lanier became the first Frenchman to win the men's singles title at the Denmark Open.
World No. 1 An Se-young of South Korea scripted badminton history on Sunday, 19 October at the Denmark Open in Odense, rallying from 5-11 down in the deciding game to defeat Japan's Akane Yamaguchi 21-23, 21-14, 21-18 in a 78-minute final. The victory handed the 24-year-old her 47th international title, making her the most decorated women's singles player in the sport's history — surpassing Indonesian legend Susi Susanti by one title.
A Historic Comeback Under Difficult Conditions
The milestone was achieved in far from straightforward circumstances. An suffered a slip during the second game and acknowledged she was still assessing the extent of the impact after the match concluded. 'I'm not feeling great. The court conditions were difficult, and I slipped. I will check my condition and talk to my trainer. After that, I will decide what to do,' she said in a post-match interview with the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
Despite the physical setback, An found an unlikely ally in the match's deciding phase. The slower side of the court helped her regain rhythm and composure as she mounted a stunning turnaround from 5-11 down to complete the victory.
Record Stats and a Dominant Season
The Denmark Open triumph was An Se-young's ninth singles title of the 2024 season, lifting her season record to a remarkable 61 wins and just one defeat. The win moves her one clear of Susanti in the all-time list, a record that had stood as one of women's badminton's most enduring benchmarks. Notably, this is the same tournament where An has previously built a reputation as a consistent performer — a venue she has repeatedly described as feeling like a second home.
'I want to make a lot of history and break records, but I focus on one match at a time,' An said. 'That is my motivation.'
Fan Support and the Denmark Factor
Despite competing away from home soil, the South Korean world No. 1 has cultivated a devoted local following in Denmark. 'Many people are proud of me, Danish fans included. That makes me so happy and makes me enjoy playing. I always feel at home in Denmark. I hope it stays that way,' An added. The emotional connection with the crowd has been a recurring theme throughout her career at this event.
Other Finals Results at Denmark Open 2024
In the mixed doubles final, China's Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin defeated compatriots Feng Yanzhe and Huang Dongping 21-18, 8-21, 21-16, ending Feng and Huang's bid for a fourth consecutive Denmark Open crown.
France's Alex Lanier made history of his own by becoming the first Frenchman to win the men's singles title at the tournament, beating home favourite Anders Antonsen of Denmark 21-15, 13-21, 21-13.
In men's doubles, Indonesia's Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri routed Malaysia's Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik 21-8, 21-11. Malaysia's Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan claimed the women's doubles crown, defeating Japan's Hinata Suzuki and Nao Yamakita 21-18, 21-11.
With her landmark record now firmly in her possession, all eyes will be on whether An Se-young — still only 24 — can extend her lead over the coming season.
Point of View
She has already outlasted legends who built their tallies over entire careers, and her 61-1 season record suggests the ceiling is nowhere in sight. What makes this particularly remarkable is the context: she achieved it injured, from 5-11 down, on a difficult court. The real question is not whether she will extend the record but by how much — and whether anyone on the women's tour is currently capable of mounting a sustained challenge to her supremacy.
NationPress
19 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many international titles has An Se-young won?
An Se-young has won 47 international titles , making her the most decorated women's singles player in badminton history. The milestone was achieved at the Denmark Open on 19 October 2024, when she defeated Akane Yamaguchi in three games.
Whose record did An Se-young break at the Denmark Open?
An Se-young surpassed Indonesian legend Susi Susanti , who held the previous record for the most women's singles titles in international badminton. An's 47th title moved her one ahead of Susanti's all-time mark.
What was the score in the Denmark Open women's singles final?
An Se-young defeated Japan's Akane Yamaguchi 21-23, 21-14, 21-18 in a 78-minute final. An staged a comeback from 5-11 down in the deciding third game to clinch the match.
Was An Se-young injured during the Denmark Open final?
An Se-young slipped during the second game of the final and said afterwards that she was still assessing her condition. She stated she would consult her trainer before deciding on her next competition plans.
Who else won titles at the Denmark Open 2024?
France's Alex Lanier became the first Frenchman to win the men's singles title, defeating Anders Antonsen. China's Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin won the mixed doubles, Indonesia's Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri took the men's doubles, and Malaysia's Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan claimed the women's doubles crown.
