Changzhou: In what can only be described as a masterclass of badminton, the women’s singles World No. 1, An Se Young, once again proved why she’s atop the world rankings. Competing in the China Open final, she showcased her brilliance by clinching victory against Japan’s World No. 2 Yamaguchi Akane in a swift 38-minute duel, registering scores of 21-10 and 21-19. This triumph extends her impeccable winning streak to 20 consecutive wins and earns her an impressive ninth title this year.
Highlights of An Se Young vs. Akane Yamaguchi in the 2023 China Open final:
This 21-year-old sensation from Korea, already boasting eight titles this year, secured her 19th straight win in the China Open semi-finals, overcoming the challenge presented by Taiwan’s top seed, Tai Tzu Ying. With this victory over Akane Yamaguchi, An narrows the head-to-head record against her Japanese adversary to 9 wins against 12 losses from their 21 encounters.
In the first, after initially trailing 3-4, An launched an aggressive 5-point run, followed by an impressive 11-2 surge when the score was at 9-7, leaving Yamaguchi struggling to find her footing, eventually succumbing 10-21.
In the following set, even as An was leading at 15-11, she faced a brief setback with Yamaguchi overturning the lead to 19-18. However, in a testament to her mettle, An calmly rallied with three consecutive points, securing a 21-19 win and marking her maiden championship at the China Open.
The hosts China won the women’s doubles when Chen Qing Chen/Jia Yi Fan defeated Baek Ha Na/Lee So Hee of Korea 21-11, 21-17.
Meanwhile, the reigning mixed doubles world champions, Seo Seung Jae/Chae Yu Jung overcame French pair Thom Gicquel/Delphine Delrue 21-19, 21-12 to win their first-ever China Open title.
