A cut above: South Korea women’s singles shuttler An Se-young is eyeing for more. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: South Korean sensation An Se-young is refusing to let fatigue stop her as she chases more badminton records this year.
The 23-year-old Se-young won a whopping 11 titles last year in the women’s singles including the prestigious season-ending World Tour Finals in Hangzhou just a little over two weeks ago.
This year, Se-young said that she aimed to finish the season unbeaten which will be an unprecedented feat.
Keep the smile: South Korea women’s singles shuttler An Se-young reacts after winning over Canada’s Michelle Li at Malaysian Open. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
And she showed her hunger for more by clearing the first round of the Malaysian Open at the Axiata Arena on Tuesday (Jan 6).
The world No. 1 was pushed hard by Canada’s world No. 12 Michelle Li but showed grit and determination to come away with a 19-21, 21-16, 21-18 to progress into the second round.
Se-young was in trouble when she was behind 5-11 in the third game but refused to give up and clawed her way back to claim victory in an exhausting 75-minute battle.
The hard-fought win showed that remaining consistent after a long, tiring season is going to be tough but the 2024 Paris Olympics champion is determined to not just maintain her high levels but surpass her achievements in 2025.
Se-young said she was not fazed by a tight schedule.
"I still need a bit more time to recover but the schedule is already set. As players, we have to follow it and prepare professionally," said Se-young.
"I always try to forget what I’ve already achieved and start again. I want to chase more titles. That habit keeps me going. Collecting titles is what drives me.
"Finishing the year without losing is my ultimate goal even if it’s very hard."
"It’s always getting tougher because many players analyse my game and prepare for me," added Se-young.
Despite the difficult challenge ahead, Se-young is keen to capture her third consecutive Malaysian Open title.
She will next need to get past Japan’s former world champion Nozomi Okuhara in the second round to keep her dream alive.
