Daijiworld Media Network - Odense
Odense (Denmark), Oct 19: World No. 1 An Se-young of South Korea staged a remarkable comeback from 5-11 down in the deciding game to defeat Japan's Akane Yamaguchi 21-23, 21-14, 21-18 in the Denmark Open final on Sunday, claiming her 47th international title and becoming the most decorated women's singles player in badminton history.
The 24-year-old South Korean star moved one title ahead of Indonesian legend Susi Susanti after prevailing in a 78-minute final. It was her ninth singles title of the season, taking her win-loss record for the year to 61-1.
“I want to make a lot of history and break records, but I focus on one match at a time,” An said. “That is my motivation.”
The historic achievement came under challenging circumstances, as An suffered a slip during the second game and was still assessing its impact after the match.
“I’m not feeling great. The court conditions were difficult, and I slipped. I will check my condition and talk to my trainer. After that, I will decide what to do,” the Korean told the Badminton World Federation (BWF) in an interview.
In the deciding game, playing on the slower side of the court helped restore her confidence as she fought back from a six-point deficit to secure victory.
Despite her physical discomfort, An was all smiles while speaking about the support she receives in Denmark. She said the atmosphere and encouragement from fans made her feel at home.
“Many people are proud of me, Danish fans included. That makes me so happy and makes me enjoy playing. I always feel at home in Denmark. I hope it stays that way,” she said.
In the mixed doubles final, China's Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin defeated compatriots Feng Yanzhe and Huang Dongping 21-18, 8-21, 21-16 to lift the title, ending Feng and Huang's bid for a fourth consecutive Denmark Open crown.
France's Alex Lanier created history by becoming the first Frenchman to win the men's singles title at the tournament. He defeated home favourite Anders Antonsen of Denmark 21-15, 13-21, 21-13 in the final.
Indonesia's Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri dominated the men's doubles final, routing Malaysia's Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik 21-8, 21-11.
In the women's doubles final, Malaysia's Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan defeated Japan's Hinata Suzuki and Nao Yamakita 21-18, 21-11 to claim the title.