World No. 1 badminton player An Se-young has continued her remarkable dominance on the court, extending her winning streak to an astonishing 33 matches. This incredible run includes victories in two consecutive tournaments without dropping a single game, showcasing a level of performance that has left competitors and fans in awe. Her current season record stands at an exceptional 49 wins and just 1 loss, translating to a staggering 98% win rate.
An Se-young’s Unstoppable Momentum
Despite a recent month-long break from competition to focus on recovery from injury, An Se-young returned with even greater force. Her comeback performances have been nothing short of spectacular. Following her triumph at the World Tour Finals, where she secured the title without losing a game, she replicated this feat at the 2026 Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour China Masters (Super 750). This latest victory marks her 10th tournament win of the year and pushes her overall win streak to 33 matches.
The 24-year-old South Korean sensation has not only surpassed her own record for the highest win rate in singles history—previously set at 94.8% (72 wins, 4 losses) last year—but has done so with an even more dominant performance. Her current 98% win rate is a testament to her unparalleled skill and consistency.
Historic Achievement at the China Masters
An Se-young’s victory at the China Masters is particularly significant as it marks her third consecutive win at this prestigious event, a feat unprecedented across all disciplines in BWF World Tour history. She achieved this by defeating world No. 9 Miyasaki Akeno of Japan in the women’s singles final with a convincing score of 2-0 (21-17, 21-6).
The path to the final saw An Se-young exhibit absolute control. She swept through the early rounds without conceding a game. In the round of 32, she defeated Lin Xiangti of Taiwan 2-0 (21-11, 21-3). The round of 16 saw her overcome Han Chenshi of China 2-0 (21-14, 21-7). In the quarterfinals, she faced her compatriot Kim Ga-eun, winning 2-0 (21-11, 21-10).
The semi-final presented a tougher challenge against world No. 3 Yamaguchi Akane of Japan. However, An Se-young maintained her composure, securing a 2-0 victory (21-13, 21-15).
The Final Showdown
In the final, An Se-young faced Miyasaki Akeno, a rising star from Japan who had also been in strong form, notably defeating world No. 2 Wang Zhiyi of China in the semi-finals with the support of the home crowd. Miyasaki, born in 2006, is considered a key prospect for the future of Japanese badminton, having won the World Junior Championships in 2022 and the All Japan Championships in 2024.
Despite Miyasaki’s impressive run, she proved no match for An Se-young’s current form. In the first game, Miyasaki managed to keep pace until 9-9, but An Se-young seized control in the latter half to win 21-17. The second game was a more one-sided affair, with An Se-young establishing an early 8-0 lead and maintaining her dominance to close out the match 21-6. The entire final lasted 44 minutes.
International Acclaim for An Se-young’s Performance
Japanese media outlets acknowledged Miyasaki’s strong performance in reaching the final, particularly her upset victory over Wang Zhiyi, while also highlighting An Se-young’s formidable presence. News outlets like Nikkei News commented on Miyasaki’s solid performance as a promising young player, despite her inability to overcome the top-ranked An Se-young. The Daily Sports described Miyasaki’s effort, noting that she didn’t give up despite the significant point difference but ultimately couldn’t match the strength of her opponent. Sports Hochi referred to An Se-young as a “high wall” that Miyasaki struggled to overcome.
This victory further solidifies An Se-young’s head-to-head record against Miyasaki, now standing at 8 wins without a loss. Her winning streak continues to extend, demonstrating her resilience and determination.
Looking Ahead: Asian Games and Future Goals
Since her last defeat to Wang Zhiyi in the All England Open final in March, An Se-young has not lost a single match over 33 consecutive games. Her month-long break for recovery did nothing to halt her world-class performance.
An Se-young’s next major goal is the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. Having secured gold medals in women’s singles and team events at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, she is poised to defend her titles. With her current streak of 33 wins and an outstanding 98% season win rate, An Se-young is setting her sights on achieving another double gold at the upcoming Asian Games.
