Source: REUTERS/IVAN ALVARADO
[Saba Sports News] An Se-young, South Korea’s
top-ranked female badminton player, currently holds the number one position in
the women’s singles world rankings with 113,314 points. She is South Korea’s
first women’s singles world champion in 27 years and is widely regarded by the
media as a strong contender for the gold medal at the upcoming Paris Olympics.
On February 5, An Se-young celebrated her 22nd birthday, coinciding with her
28th consecutive week of clinching badminton titles. If she can maintain her
position as the top women’s singles player for the next 22 weeks, she will join
the ranks of only six players since 2009 who have held the title of badminton
queen for 50 consecutive weeks. The most recent player to achieve this feat was
Tai Tzu-Ying, the talented player from Chinese Taipei, who held the title for
72 weeks. Tai Tzu-Ying claimed the throne on December 1, 2016, and was
eventually surpassed by Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi on April 12, 2018. Notably, the
record of 72 consecutive weeks at the top ranks as the second-longest in the
history of badminton. During the 2023 season, An Se-young showcased nearly
invincible form by winning 10 championships, establishing a record for the most
titles won in a single season in the history of women’s singles badminton. This
remarkable achievement earned her the title of the best female athlete in
badminton for 2023. Currently, An Se-young is preparing for the All England
Open in March, where she is considered a favorite to claim the championship.
Over the next decade, An Se-young is expected to be a prominent contender in
women’s badminton.