An Se-young Wins Second World Title After Straight-Games Victory Over Yamaguchi
An Se-young underlined her status as the dominant force in women’s badminton, defeating Japan’s defending champion Akane Yamaguchi 21-17, 21-14 to win the BWF World Championships 2026 women’s singles title in New Delhi. The world No. 1 was tested in a fiercely contested opening game, with Yamaguchi briefly taking a 16-15 lead after An had earlier been ahead. However, the South Korean responded strongly to take control and close out the game 21-17. An then stepped up another gear in the second, using her remarkable court coverage and consistency to keep Yamaguchi under pressure before sealing a straight-games victory. The triumph gave An her second World Championships crown, adding another major title to an already glittering career.
Gold medalist, South Korea's An Se-young, second left, Silver medalist Japan's Akane Yamaguchi, left, Bronze medalists Thailand's Pornpawee Chochuwong, right, and China's Whang Zi Yhi during the presentation ceremony after the final of women’s singles badminton event during the BWF World Championships, at IGI Stadium, in New Delhi. | Photo: PTI/Salman Ali
Gold medalist, South Korea's An Se-young, Silver medalist Japan's Akane Yamaguchi, Bronze medalists Thailand's Pornpawee Chochuwong and China's Whang Zi Yhi during the presentation ceremony after the final of women’s singles badminton event during the BWF World Championships, at IGI Stadium, in New Delhi. | Photo: PTI/Gurinder Osan
South Korea's An Se-young celebrates after winning the final of women’s singles badminton match against Japan's Akane Yamaguchi during the BWF World Championships, at IGI Stadium, in New Delhi. | Photo: PTI/Salman Ali
South Korea's An Se Young celebrates her win against Japan's Akane Yamaguchi in the women's singles final match of the Badminton World Championships in New Delhi, India,. | Photo: AP/Manish Swarup
Japan's Akane Yamaguchi after losing the final of women’s singles badminton match against South Korea's An Se-young during the BWF World Championships, at IGI Stadium, in New Delhi. | Photo: PTI/Salman Ali
South Korea's An Se Young celebrates her win against Japan's Akane Yamaguchi in the women's singles final match of the Badminton World Championships in New Delhi, India. | Photo: AP/Manish Swarup
South Korea's An Se Young plays against Japan's Akane Yamaguchi in the women's singles final match of the Badminton World Championships in New Delhi, India. | Photo: AP/Manish Swarup
Japan's Akane Yamaguchi competes in the final of women’s singles badminton match against South Korea's An Se-young during the BWF World Championships, at IGI Stadium, in New Delhi. | Photo: PTI/Gurinder Osan
South Korea's An Se Young plays against Japan's Akane Yamaguchi in the women's singles final match of the Badminton World Championships in New Delhi, India. | Photo: AP/Manish Swarup
Japan’s Kodai Naraoka competes against France’s Alex Lanier, unseen, in a men’s singles final badminton match during the BWF World Championships, at IGI Stadium in New Delhi. | Photo: PTI/Salman Ali
South Korea's An Se Young plays against Japan's Akane Yamaguchi in the women's singles final match of the Badminton World Championships in New Delhi, India. | Photo: AP/Manish Swarup
South Korea's An Se-young competes in the final of women’s singles badminton match against Japan's Akane Yamaguchi during the BWF World Championships, at IGI Stadium, in New Delhi. | Photo: PTI/Gurinder Osan
Published At:
Tags