BIRMINGHAM (England): South Korea Un Se Young battled her way to the women’s singles title at Open to all of England badminton championships on Sunday, beating Tokyo 2020 Olympics gold medalist Chen Yu Fei from China.
At the thunderous roar of her name, An beat 25-year-old Chen 21-17, 10-21, 21-19 in a women’s final that at times had Chen on her knees and An skidding across the court on her stomach. once to make a hit.
“I’m so happy,” said An, 21, who beat the Tokyo Olympics silver medalist. Tai Tzu Ying of Taiwan in the semi-finals on Saturday.
“Every game that has given me experience has led me to this one… It’s a historic moment in my career – it’s an opportunity to grow.” It was a touch-and-go for An in the second half of the final game, Chen pressing with aggressive smashes and smart backhands.
The All England event, with over 155 matches and over 50 hours of badminton, contributes to eventual Olympic qualification, with the rankings announced on April 30 determining which players will go to the Paris Games in 2024.
China has dominated Olympic badminton since the sport made its debut at the Barcelona Games in 1992, with 47 medals including 20 gold.
In an all-South Korean women’s doubles match earlier on Sunday, Kim So Yeong and Kong Hee Yong defeated Baek Ha Na and Lee So Hee 21-5, 21-12. China beat South Korea in the mixed doubles final 21-16, 16-21, 21-12.
Later on Sunday, Li Shi Feng will face fellow Chinese Shi Yu Qi in the men’s final.
At the thunderous roar of her name, An beat 25-year-old Chen 21-17, 10-21, 21-19 in a women’s final that at times had Chen on her knees and An skidding across the court on her stomach. once to make a hit.
“I’m so happy,” said An, 21, who beat the Tokyo Olympics silver medalist. Tai Tzu Ying of Taiwan in the semi-finals on Saturday.
“Every game that has given me experience has led me to this one… It’s a historic moment in my career – it’s an opportunity to grow.” It was a touch-and-go for An in the second half of the final game, Chen pressing with aggressive smashes and smart backhands.
The All England event, with over 155 matches and over 50 hours of badminton, contributes to eventual Olympic qualification, with the rankings announced on April 30 determining which players will go to the Paris Games in 2024.
China has dominated Olympic badminton since the sport made its debut at the Barcelona Games in 1992, with 47 medals including 20 gold.
In an all-South Korean women’s doubles match earlier on Sunday, Kim So Yeong and Kong Hee Yong defeated Baek Ha Na and Lee So Hee 21-5, 21-12. China beat South Korea in the mixed doubles final 21-16, 16-21, 21-12.
Later on Sunday, Li Shi Feng will face fellow Chinese Shi Yu Qi in the men’s final.
