KUALA LUMPUR: South Korean women singles 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 is aiming to finish the season unbeaten which will be an unprecedented feat.
Se-young won a whopping 11 titles last year, including the prestigious season-ending World Tour Finals in Hangzhou just a little over two weeks ago.
Yesterday, the world No. 1 showed her hunger for more by clearing the first round of the Malaysian Open.
She 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 win.
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 staying consistent after a long, tiring season is going to be tough but the 2024 Paris Olympics champion is determined to maintain her standard and surpass her achievements in 2025.
Se-young knows a hectic schedule will be a challenge but it will not stop her from aiming high.
“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 face Japan’s former world champion Nozomi Okuhara in the second round tomorrow to keep her dream alive.
