Did An Se-young Defeat Intanon to Secure a Spot in the BWF India Open Final?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a thrilling semifinal match at the BWF India Open, An Se-young dominated Ratchanok Intanon, winning in just 32 minutes to advance to the final. With her sights set on a back-to-back title win, Se-young has extended her winning streak to 29 matches. Will she continue her remarkable performance?
Key Takeaways
- An Se-young achieved a swift victory over Ratchanok Intanon in the semifinal.
- Her match lasted only 32 minutes.
- She holds a remarkable 29 match winning streak.
- Se-young is set to face Wang Zhi Yi in the finals.
- Last year, she earned over USD 1 million in prize money.
New Delhi, Jan 17 (NationPress) World No. 1 An Se-young advanced to her second final of the 2026 season after a stunning victory over World No. 8 Ratchanok Intanon from Thailand, finishing the match in just 32 minutes during the semifinal of the BWF Super 750 India Open on Saturday.
Se-young achieved a decisive straight-game victory with scores of 21-11 and 21-7 against Intanon at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex.
From the outset, An Se-young established her dominance, quickly gaining an early lead by scoring six consecutive points, effectively setting the pace for the first game. With her precise control, she prevented Intanon from finding her rhythm, wrapping up the first game comfortably at 21–11.
The second game started more evenly, with both athletes trading points to a tie at 4–4. However, that brief equilibrium was shattered as Se-young intensified her performance. She launched an impressive run, accelerating to a commanding 16–5 lead. With consistent play, An concluded the match without errors, securing the second game at 21–7 for a straight-game triumph.
With this win over Intanon, Se-young has now extended her winning streak to an impressive 29 consecutive match victories. She kicked off the season spectacularly at the Malaysia Open, clinching her third consecutive title. Now, with a spot in the India Open final, she is poised to potentially lift back-to-back titles within a week.
Last year, this Korean sensation secured 11 titles in a single season and made headlines by becoming the first badminton player to earn over USD 1 million in prize money within a year. Her victory at the BWF World Tour Finals, which offered a prize of USD 240,000, elevated her total earnings to USD 1,003,175.
In the final of the India Open, she is set to face off against World No. 2 Wang Zhi Yi from China, marking a rematch from last week's Malaysia Open. The Korean player leads their head-to-head record 17-4 and has triumphed in all of their last nine encounters.
"I believe every match brings a new experience. Wang is an excellent player with a strong attacking style. I am unsure how challenging her performance will be in tomorrow's match," said Se-young about her upcoming clash with Wang, who defeated World No. 4 Chen Yu Fei with scores of 15-21, 23-21 to secure her place in the final.
Point of View
An Se-young's remarkable victory represents not only her personal achievements but also highlights the growing prominence of badminton in global sports. Her consistency and performance set a benchmark for aspiring athletes, making her a role model in the sporting community. As we anticipate her final match, it is crucial to recognize the dedication and skill displayed by top players like Se-young, reinforcing the importance of sportsmanship and excellence in competition.
NationPress
17/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the duration of the match between An Se-young and Ratchanok Intanon?
The match lasted just 32 minutes.
What are the scores of the semifinal match?
An Se-young won with scores of 21-11 and 21-7.
How many consecutive matches has An Se-young won?
She has extended her winning streak to 29 consecutive matches.
Who will An Se-young face in the final?
She will face World No. 2 Wang Zhi Yi in the final.
What was An Se-young's prize money last year?
She earned over USD 1 million in prize money last year.
