KUCHING: World number one An Se-young reinforced her authority at the top of women’s badminton on Sunday after capturing the 2025 BWF World Tour Finals title, equalling Kento Momota’s record of 11 titles in a single calendar year and extending her dominance over her closest rivals.
The South Korean outlasted defending champion Wang Zhiyi of China 21-13, 18-21, 21-10 in a gruelling 96-minute final in Hangzhou, China marking her eighth straight victory over Wang this season.
An dictated the opening game with disciplined defence and sharp shot placement, forcing Wang into extended rallies.
The World No.2 shuttler responded in the second, probing An’s forehand and capitalising on errors to level the contest and force a decider.
Even as leg cramps set in, An held firm. Her movement remained economical and her backcourt coverage decisive as she absorbed pressure before pulling clear with well-timed smashes to close out the match.
“I doubted whether I’d really be able to get to the 11th win. I guess my belief was stronger than those doubts,” said the World No.1, quoted by Korean media Yonhap News Agency after the final.
“It was a gruelling match. Towards the end, my leg hurt every time I landed on it, but I stuck to it through the end. I am really happy that I was able to finish with such a great result.
“My hard work has paid off, and I want to keep going for more records,” she added.
The victory made An the first women’s singles player to match Momota’s benchmark of 11 titles in a season — a mark long considered untouchable — and served as redemption after she narrowly missed the record at the same tournament two years ago.
The 23-year-old also became the first badminton player to surpass $1 million (about RM4.07 million) in prize money in a calendar year, bolstered by the $240,000 (about RM 980,000) winner’s cheque from the season finale.
An ended the year with a winning percentage of 94.8 per cent, eclipsing the best seasons recorded by legends Lin Dan and national hero Lee Chong Wei.
“I want to win major competitions, like the world championships and the Asian Games.
“I just want to win them all,” she said.
