Sports · Other Sports · 4 hrs ago
An Se-young wins her Korea Open opener in 39 minutes
South Korea’s An Se-young won her opening match at the Korea Open badminton tournament in Yeosu.
The world No.
1 beat Bulgaria’s Kaloyana Nalbantova 2-0 in 39 minutes to reach the round of 16.
An considered withdrawing because of fatigue after a busy run of tournaments and concerns about injuries, but said she wanted to hear support from South Korean fans.
She is aiming for her 11th title this season, which would equal her own record for the most singles titles in a season.
An has won 67 of 68 matches this year, and her next rounds will decide whether she stays on course for that mark.
Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi is seen as a possible final opponent, but An must first progress through the remaining rounds.
An Se-young beat Bulgaria’s Kaloyana Nalbantova 2-0 in 39 minutes in her Korea Open women’s singles opener.
The world No. 1 won the round-of-32 match 21-6, 21-8 at Jinnam Gymnasium in Yeosu on 4 November.
The victory sent An into the round of 16 and extended her winning streak to 51 matches.
An said she had considered withdrawing because of physical concerns but wanted to hear Korean fans’ cheers.
She is seeking her 11th title of the season, which would equal her record for the most singles titles in a season.
- Who
- An Se-young of South Korea and Kaloyana Nalbantova of Bulgaria.
- What
- An won their Korea Open women’s singles round-of-32 match 2-0 in 39 minutes.
- When
- 4 November 2026.
- Where
- Jinnam Gymnasium in Yeosu, South Korea.
- Why
- An was competing in the Korea Open as she pursued her 11th title of the season. She said she wanted to hear Korean fans’ cheers.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
An won the Asian Games women’s singles title for a second consecutive time, according to Yonhap.
An considered whether to compete because of concerns about her physical condition and a demanding schedule.
An beat Kaloyana Nalbantova 21-6, 21-8 in the round of 32 and advanced to the round of 16.
- Match score
- An Se-young beat Kaloyana Nalbantova 21-6, 21-8.
- Match duration
- 39 minutes.
- Tournament
- BWF Korea Open Super 500.
- Venue
- Jinnam Gymnasium, Yeosu, South Korea.
- Season record
- 67 wins and one loss in 68 matches, for a 98.5% win rate.
- Streak
- 51 consecutive wins after the match.
3 sources
What people are saying
I entered because I wanted to hear the cheers of Korean fans again.
I hope we meet again in the final without injuries.
We came from Danyang, North Chungcheong Province, and it took five hours. We hope An Se-young stays healthy, does well and keeps fighting!