An wins India Open women’s crown, extends amazing run

World No.2 Wang Zhi Yi has reached five finals since she last won a title at the Hong Kong Open in September 2025, every time failing to cross the final hurdle.The obstacle has remained the same— An Se-young.

- Sandip Sikdar

The story was no different at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium here on Sunday as the South Korean world No.1 clinched her third India Open crown, beating Wang 21-13, 21-1] in 43 minutes, extending her record to 18-4 against the Chinese player.

“She is very consistent, strong and fast. She is very comprehensive, good in every aspect. She is one of the toughest opponents I have faced, an extraordinary player,” two-time Asian champion ‘Wang said after her loss.

So consistent has An been that she has not dropped out of the top 2 for the last two years, and has held on to the top spot since October 2024. The 23-year-old won the 2023 Asian Games gold in Hangzhou, became the first Korean women’s singles world champion that year and stood atop the podium at the 2024 Paris Olympics. During her journey, she also won two All England and BWF World Tour Finals crowns.