World No. 1 An Se-young continued her remarkable reign in women’s badminton by securing a third consecutive Malaysia Open title, cementing her status as the dominant force in the sport at Kuala Lumpur on Sunday (11 January).
The Paris 2024 Olympic champion produced another composed and resilient performance to defeat China’s rising star Wang Zhiyi, the world No. 2, 21-15, 24-22 in the women’s singles final. While An controlled the opening game with authority, the second set tested her resolve as Wang surged to an 18-11 lead. Displaying the fighting spirit that has defined her career, the 23-year-old South Korean reeled off point after point to complete a stunning comeback and seal the title.
With the victory, An became only the fourth player in history to win three consecutive Malaysia Open crowns, underlining her consistency at one of badminton’s most prestigious Super 1000 tournaments.
“I never give up and I always play with confidence,” An said after the match. “I’m happy to win, but I don’t think about titles.”
Wang, a silver medallist at the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games, once again demonstrated why she is regarded as one of the sport’s brightest prospects. Her run to the final included an impressive semi-final victory over India’s two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu, further highlighting her growing threat on the world stage.
In the men’s singles final, Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn captured his first Super 1000 title, though the match ended in disappointment for China’s defending champion Shi Yuqi, who was forced to retire with a back injury.
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Shi, the world No. 1, edged a tense opening game 23-21 before withdrawing early in the second set while trailing 6-1. Despite the unfortunate ending, Kunlavut’s performance throughout the tournament earned widespread praise, as the Olympic silver medallist continued his steady ascent among the sport’s elite.
“I am happy to have won, but I didn’t have much energy left,” admitted the 24-year-old. “If I had to play long rallies with him, I don’t think I would be able to beat him.”
China showcased its depth and dominance in the doubles events. In the women’s doubles final, Paris 2024 Olympic silver medallists Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning proved too strong for South Korea’s Baek Hana and Lee So-hee, claiming a straight-games victory, 21-18, 21-12.
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The mixed doubles title also went China’s way, as Olympic gold medallist Huang Dongping and partner Feng Yanzhe edged compatriots Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin 21-19, 21-19 in a high-quality all-Chinese final.
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The men’s doubles provided the most dramatic contest of finals day. South Koreans Kim Won-ho and Seo Seung-jae, both Olympic silver medallists, survived a stern challenge from Malaysia’s home favourites Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, winning 21-15, 12-21, 21-18 in the only match to go the distance.
As the Malaysia Open concluded, the tournament once again reinforced its reputation as a stage for excellence, resilience, and emerging rivalries- led by An Se-young’s historic hat-trick and Kunlavut Vitidsarn’s long-awaited breakthrough at the sport’s highest level.
