BIRMINGHAM – Olympic women’s badminton champion An Se-young came from behind to beat China’s Wang Zhiyi 13-21, 21-18, 21-18 in a classic All England Open final on March 16, as top seed Shi Yuqi lifted the men’s crown.
World No. 2 Wang won the first game convincingly and edged into a 13-10 lead during a captivating second game in Birmingham, but the South Korean 2023 champion pegged her back.
Wang smelled victory when the scores were tied at 18-18 in the second game but An took the next three points to level the match.
The decider was also a tight affair. But again An, 23, pulled away when the players were level at 18-18, winning her fourth tournament in a row and second at the All England.
“I had all sorts of emotions going through my mind during the second game,” said An. “The thought that was concrete in my mind was not giving up.
“That thought motivated me to keep playing and I think that led to today’s win.
“I won’t even try to describe how hard today’s match was. The match didn’t go as I’d planned, which made me extra tired.
“But I’m pleased with the outcome of the match.”
Earlier, China’s men’s world No. 1 Shi delivered a composed performance to see off Chinese Taipei’s Lee Chia-hao 21-17, 21-19, also collecting his second All England crown.
Lee, ranked 22nd, was quickly out of the blocks and opened up a three-point lead, but Shi reeled off six straight points to lead 9-6 and never relinquished his advantage.
The tenacious Lee held a 10-9 lead in the second game but he could not pull away from his 29-year-old opponent, who also won the tournament in 2018 when he defeated Lin Dan in the final.
Shi was briefly made to sweat after his 20-16 lead narrowed to 20-19. But he held his nerve to seal another victory.
“It’s been seven years,” said Shi. “A lot has happened during these seven years, ups and downs. I’ve been to a few semi-finals and didn’t make it in the end.
“After these seven years, I’m delighted I could win it again.
“It’s great that I can pass on some positive energy and values to the fans and in return they offer me support and encouragement.”
South Korea’s Kim Won-ho and Seo Seung-jae won the men’s doubles title, seeing off Indonesia’s Leo Rolly Carnando and Bagas Maulana 21-19, 21-19.
The women’s doubles was an all-Japanese affair won by Nami Matsuyama and Chiharu Shida, who beat Yuki Fukushima and Mayu Matsumoto 21-16, 14-21, 21-17.
The mixed doubles showpiece saw China’s Guo Xinwa and Chen Fanghui trump compatriots Feng Yanzhe and Wei Yaxin 21-16, 10-21, 23-21. AFP
Join ST’s Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
