If you thought the badminton season was over, the BWF World Tour Finals 2025 in Hangzhou delivered pure fireworks just before the end. South Korea’s An Se Young, the top seed, claimed the women’s singles title with a hard-fought victory over China’s Wang Zhiyi. This win marked her 11th title of the season, tying Japan’s Kento Momota’s single-season record from 2019.
A Thrilling Finale At The BWF World Tour Finals 2025
The BWF World Tour Finals 2025 grand finale unfolded at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Gymnasium on December 21. An Se Young triumphed 2-1 (21-13, 18-21, 21-10) in a match full of drama. She dominated the first set with stable defence and sharp attacks, pulling ahead after the interval to win 21-13. Wang Zhiyi fought back fiercely in the second, turning the score to 16-20 before Young fell short at 18-21.
The third set tested true grit. Young built an early lead with hairpins and smashes, reaching 11-6. Even as she battled left thigh pain late in the set, she powered through to 21-10. This resilience sealed her status as the season’s standout player.
An Se Young’s Path To Success
An Se Young’s path to the final was flawless. In Group A, she went 3-0, beating Putri Kusuma Wardani 2-1, Tomoka Miyazaki 2-0, and Akane Yamaguchi 2-1 in a tense group clash. She crushed Yamaguchi 21-15, 21-12 in the semifinals. Wang Zhiyi topped Group B unbeaten before edging Ratchanok Intanon in the semis.
This triumph made history. An Se Young became the first player to earn $1 million USD in a single BWF season, overcoming injuries along the way. Fans watched her defend positions like a wall and chase points relentlessly, proving why she rules women’s singles.
For South Korean shuttler fans, this victory cements hope for more dominance. With 11 titles and a record prize pot, Young enters 2026 as the one to beat. Stay tuned, badminton’s queen has only just begun her reign.
Also read: WTA Player Of The Year: List Of Winners In History
