An Se-young dominates Wang Zhiyi to retain Malaysia Open crown

The showdown in Kuala Lumpur was a repeat of last year’s final, yet the gap between the two stars remains a daunting challenge for the Chinese camp. 

In the 2025 edition, Wang Zhiyi suffered a devastatingly quick defeat, losing 17-21, 7-21 in a match that lasted only 38 minutes. At that time, Wang appeared to lose her spirit in the second set, unable to find an answer to the Korean's relentless defense.

Fast forward 1 year, and while Wang displayed significantly more resilience and "grit," the ultimate fate of the match remained unchanged. The Chinese star fought for every point, showing marked physical improvement, but it was still not enough to dethrone the reigning queen of badminton.

The match began with An Se-young asserting control, taking the first set 21-15 with clinical precision. However, the narrative shifted dramatically in the second set. An experienced a rare lapse in concentration, allowing Wang to surge ahead to a commanding 17-11 lead. The crowd roared as a decision seemed inevitable. 

Yet, in a display of champion-level composure, An clawed her way back. Point by point, she dismantled Wang’s lead, turning a 17-21 deficit into a thrilling 24-22 victory. Wang’s exhaustion was visible as her final shot hit the net, ending the contest in straight sets.

This victory marks a somber milestone for the 25-year-old Wang Zhiyi. This was her 9th defeat in a BWF final against the 23-year-old Korean sensation. 

Looking at their head-to-head history, the two have met 10 times in BWF finals, and 11 times including the 2022 Asian Games. An Se-young has emerged victorious in 10 of those 11 championship encounters. Wang’s only victory in a BWF final against An came at the 2024 Denmark Open.

Wang is not the only one suffering; the entire Chinese badminton squad has struggled against An. Out of An’s 35 career titles, 18 have come after defeating Chinese stars in the final, including elite names like Chen Yufei, He Bingjiao, Gao Fangjie, and Li Xuerui. 

Notably, An also defeated He Bingjiao to claim the 2024 Olympic Gold. Since 2024, Chinese players have only managed to beat An in a BWF final twice: Chen Yufei at the Indonesia Open and Wang at the Denmark Open.

Beyond the prestige of defending her crown, this victory is financially rewarding. By winning the Malaysia Open 2026, An Se-young earned a substantial prize of 101.500 USD. This win helps her maintain a record-breaking momentum as she eyes a historic Grand Slam later this year.