Ahn Se-young Poised to Equal Badminton Wins Record at BWF World Tour Finals
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Ahn Se-young, the reigning “Badminton Queen,” is one victory away from matching the record for most wins in a single season, following a dominant performance in the semifinals of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour Finals 2025.
The South Korean star secured her place in the final by defeating Akane Yamaguchi of Japan 2-0 (21-15, 21-12) in a 38-minute match held at the Olympic Sports Center in Hangzhou, China, on December 20th. This win marks Ahn Se-young’s 10th victory in 15 international competitions this season.
Dominating Performance Secures Finals Berth
Ahn Se-young’s path to the final wasn’t without initial challenge. The match against Yamaguchi, a familiar opponent with a closely contested 17-15 head-to-head record, began with intense rallies. Yamaguchi initially applied pressure with aggressive drives and net play, but Ahn Se-young countered with a strategic approach focused on wearing down her opponent.
The first game saw Ahn Se-young establish an early 6-2 lead, but Yamaguchi quickly responded, creating a tense back-and-forth. Despite facing a momentary deficit of 10-12, Ahn Se-young demonstrated resilience, scoring three consecutive points to regain control and ultimately secure the first game.
Riding the momentum, Ahn Se-young completely overwhelmed Yamaguchi in the second game. A blistering start saw her race to an 8-0 lead, and she maintained this dominance throughout, ultimately winning the game by a decisive nine-point margin.
History Within Reach
With 10 wins already under her belt, Ahn Se-young now stands on the cusp of history. A victory in the final on December 21st will see her tie the record for the most wins in a single season, a feat currently held by Japanese men’s singles player Kento Momota, who achieved 11 wins in 2019.
Ahn Se-young will face either Wang Ziyi of China or Ratchanok Inthanon of Thailand in the final, both formidable opponents in their own right. The outcome of their semifinal match will determine the ultimate challenge for the “Badminton Queen” as she seeks to etch her name into the record books.
The strategic approach employed by Ahn Se-young, gradually draining her opponent’s stamina with calm and tenacious defense, proved crucial in overcoming Yamaguchi’s initial aggression. As the match progressed, Yamaguchi’s errors increased, allowing Ahn Se-young to capitalize and seize control. This tactical adaptability underscores her growing maturity and championship caliber.
