An Se Young Claims Second World Title, Defeats Yamaguchi in Final

In a thrilling showdown at the 2026 BWF World Championships held in New Delhi, An Se Young emerged victorious against defending champion Akane Yamaguchi, securing the women's singles title with a straight-sets win of 21-17, 21-14.

This victory marks An's second World Championships title, following her initial win in Copenhagen in 2023. The South Korean, who is also the reigning Olympic champion, showcased her skill and composure throughout the match, ultimately breaking Yamaguchi's impressive streak of three consecutive World Championships titles from 2021 to 2025.

The final was a highly anticipated clash between two of the sport's elite players. An, ranked world No. 1, faced Yamaguchi, the second seed, in what was their 35th career meeting. An's strategic play and ability to transition from defense to offense proved pivotal, as she gradually pulled away in both games after competitive starts.

While Yamaguchi demonstrated her renowned speed and defensive prowess, she struggled to maintain her rhythm against An's relentless pressure. The defeat not only halted Yamaguchi's perfect record in World Championship finals but also added another significant achievement to An's already illustrious career, which now includes two gold medals and two bronze medals at the World Championships.

Yamaguchi's silver medal, despite the loss, contributes to her impressive collection of six World Championships medals in women's singles, placing her among the all-time greats in the sport. As both players continue to redefine excellence in badminton, their rivalry remains a highlight of modern women's singles competition.