(C) Badminton

HANGZHOU, China – World No. 1 An Se-young has advanced to the final of the 2025 BWF World Tour Finals, putting her on the precipice of badminton history. With a dominant victory in the semifinals, she is now just one win away from tying the all-time record for the most titles won in a single season.

Dominance in the Semifinals

On December 20, at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre, An dismantled her long-time rival Akane Yamaguchi of Japan in a swift 38-minute match. An secured the win with a straight-sets score of 2-0 (21-15, 21-12).

While their head-to-head record stood at a competitive 17-15 leading into the match, An’s strategic depth proved superior. After a brief scare in the first game where she trailed 10-12, An utilized her signature "smothering" defense to force errors from Yamaguchi. The second game was a masterclass in precision, as An opened with an 8-0 run, effectively neutralizing the Japanese veteran.

 
Chasing Momota’s Legacy

This victory marks An’s 10th title of the 2025 season across 15 international tournament appearances. If she triumphs in tomorrow's final, she will reach 11 titles, tying the legendary record set by Japan’s Kento Momota in 2019—the highest ever achieved by any player in a single season (male or female).

An Se-young’s 2025 Season Stats:

Tournament Appearances: 15
Current Titles: 10
Final Match Goal: 11 (All-time Record Tie)
 
A Year of Growth and Confidence

Reflecting on her journey, An expressed a mix of humility and determination. "The public interest brings some pressure, but I view it as a positive expectation," she said in a post-match interview. "I have my own ambitions, so I will push forward without letting the records distract me."

Compared to her stellar 2024 campaign, An noted significant personal growth. "I feel much more improved than last year, which is very rewarding. I’m not satisfied yet; I want to finish this year cleanly and enjoy the final match to the fullest."

The Final Showdown

An Se-young will face the winner of the semifinal match between Wang Zhiyi (China) and Ratchanok Intanon (Thailand) on December 21. Given her current form and the momentum of a potential world record, the badminton world remains focused on whether "The Queen" can secure her place in the history books.