An Se-young Sets Record with 47th Badminton Title
South Korean badminton star An Se-young has claimed her 47th career title, setting a new record for most international tournament wins in women's singles.
Quick facts
- An Se-young achieved her 47th career international title at the 2026 Denmark Open.
- She defeated Japan's Akane Yamaguchi in the final with a score of 2-1 (21-23, 21-14, 21-18).
- Her 2026 season record stands at 61 wins and 1 loss, representing a 98.4% win rate.
Why it matters
An Se-young's record-breaking win highlights a shift in the dominance of women's singles badminton. The debate over her 'GOAT' status is fueled by statistical differences between historical eras, specifically the frequency of international tournaments. Her current dominance suggests she is well-positioned to extend her record significantly in the coming years.
South Korean badminton star An Se-young has set a new benchmark in women's singles, securing her 47th career international title at the 2026 Denmark Open held in Odense. The victory on October 18, 2026, officially placed her at the top of the all-time list for tournament wins, surpassing the previous record of 46 held by Indonesian legend Susi Susanti.
Why it is trending now
The record-breaking performance has triggered significant global interest, particularly regarding the debate over her status as the greatest of all time (GOAT). An Se-young secured the win after a hard-fought match against Japan's Akane Yamaguchi at the SJF Bank Arena. As of October 19, 2026, the achievement is widely discussed across badminton communities, highlighting her dominant form throughout the 2026 season.
Key facts
- An Se-young's 47th win was confirmed by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) records, excluding junior tournament titles, according to Money Today.
- The final match against Akane Yamaguchi concluded with a score of 2-1 (21-23, 21-14, 21-18), as reported by OSEN.
- According to Badminton Ranks, the calculation of titles differentiates professional international wins from junior and regional events.
- The BWF officially acknowledged An Se-young as an "all-time great" following her latest victory, per reports by Money Today.
Why this is trending in South Korea
An Se-young is a prominent national athlete whose consistent dominance in professional badminton draws intense local media coverage. Her rise to the top of the all-time title list has become a major point of pride for South Korean sports fans.
Background and context
An Se-young, 24, has maintained an exceptional performance level during the 2026 season, recording 61 wins and only one defeat. Her only loss this year occurred during the All England Open final in March against Wang Zhiyi of China. Since that match, she has remained undefeated in international competition.
What happens next
While the BWF has praised her status as a historic player, debates continue among fans regarding the comparison between different eras of the sport. An Se-young has expressed her ambition to continue building on her record by winning more major titles. Future BWF tournament schedules and potential entries into the 2027 World Championships remain the next steps in her career trajectory.
Frequently asked questions
How many career titles does An Se-young have?
An Se-young has reached 47 career international titles, surpassing the previous record of 46 held by Susi Susanti.
Who did An Se-young defeat to win the Denmark Open?
An Se-young defeated Akane Yamaguchi of Japan in the final of the 2026 Denmark Open to claim the title.
What is An Se-young's win-loss record for 2026?
As of October 2026, An Se-young has recorded 61 wins and only one loss during the season, maintaining a 98.4% win rate.
Is An Se-young considered the greatest badminton player of all time?
The BWF has recognized her as an 'all-time great,' though fans and analysts continue to debate the title of 'greatest of all time' due to differences in tournament frequency across eras.
Did An Se-young win the 2026 Denmark Open consecutively?
Yes, her victory at the 2026 Denmark Open marks a successful defense of her title, securing a repeat win for the tournament.
In this story
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- Oct 20, 2026 at 3:30 AM
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