Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 23: World No. 1 An Se Young reclaimed the women's singles crown at the BWF World Championships with a commanding 21-17, 21-14 victory over defending champion Akane Yamaguchi in New Delhi on Sunday.

The South Korean produced a composed performance in a high-tempo final, absorbing Yamaguchi's attacking bursts before taking control at crucial stages. The Japanese world No. 2 repeatedly threatened a comeback, but An's consistency and ability to close out points under pressure proved decisive.

An edges tight opening game

The opening game remained closely contested, with neither player able to establish a substantial lead. Yamaguchi moved 16-15 ahead after An had led 15-12, but the Olympic champion responded with four consecutive points.

A combination of precise winners and errors from Yamaguchi handed An the opening game.

Yamaguchi again made the stronger start in the second game, moving 4-2 ahead. An quickly changed the momentum, moving in front at 7-6 before establishing a four-point advantage at 11-7.

Although Yamaguchi briefly narrowed the gap, An refused to allow another comeback. A 16-11 lead put the South Korean firmly in control.

At 17-13, An produced one of the match's standout rallies, winning a long exchange before finishing with a delicate drop that left Yamaguchi scrambling. Three more points followed to seal the championship in straight games.

Remarkable return to the summit

The triumph marks An's second world title, following her maiden crown in Copenhagen in 2023. She went on to become Olympic champion in Paris the following year before taking bronze at last year's World Championships in Paris.

An completed her six-match campaign in New Delhi without dropping a game, reclaiming the title she lost last year.

The victory also extended her winning streak against Yamaguchi to six matches, improving her overall record against the Japanese star to 20-15.

Yamaguchi, a three-time world champion, had been chasing an unprecedented fourth women's singles world title but was denied by An's controlled finish.

The victory further cements An's place in South Korean badminton history. She remains the only South Korean singles player, male or female, to have won a world championship title.