An Se-young, the 24-year-old South Korean badminton star, extended her winning streak to 52 matches on November 5, 2026, by defeating Malaysia’s Karuppathevan Lecha at the BWF World Tour Korea Open in Yeosu. She secured her spot in the quarterfinals with a decisive 2-0 victory in just 36 minutes.
Dominance at Jinnam Gymnasium
Representing Samsung Life Insurance, An Se-young maintained total control during her Round of 16 match against world No. 28 Karuppathevan Lecha. The final scores of 21-10 and 21-11 reflected a performance characterized by efficient court coverage and precise shot selection. OSEN reported that An dictated the pace from the opening rallies, establishing a 5-0 lead in the first game by targeting the corners of the court with consistent accuracy.
The match marked the fifth time An has faced Lecha, with the Korean player maintaining an undefeated record against her Malaysian opponent. Previous encounters this year, including the Asian Team Championships in Qingdao and the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in September, followed a similar trajectory. During the match, commentators noted the technical proficiency of An’s body rotation and footwork, which allowed her to neutralize Lecha’s attempts to recover the gap.
A Season of Unprecedented Statistics
This victory brings An’s international record for the 2026 season to 68 wins and only one loss across 69 matches, resulting in a win rate of 98.55%. Her sole defeat occurred in March during the final of the All England Open against China’s Wang Zhiyi. An’s current momentum places her in contention for a historic milestone; should she win the Korea Open, she will become the first player in the history of the BWF World Tour—which launched in 2018—to achieve 11 or more titles in two consecutive seasons.
| Metric | Statistic / Detail |
|---|---|
| Current Win Streak | 52 Matches |
| 2026 Season Record | 68 Wins, 1 Loss |
| Match Duration (R16) | 36 Minutes |
| Historical Benchmark | Tied Kento Momota’s 2019 record of 11 titles in one season |
Physical Management and Future Scheduling
Despite her current form, An’s participation in the Yeosu tournament remained in doubt until shortly before the event. Speaking to broadcasters after her Round of 32 match on November 4, An acknowledged the physical toll of her schedule, stating, “I worried a lot until the end. I’ve had many injuries, so I was concerned.” She ultimately chose to compete to perform before a home crowd.
While she has withdrawn from the upcoming Japan Kumamoto Masters, she remains committed to the BWF World Tour Finals scheduled for December.
