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An Se-young added another glittering chapter to her extraordinary career on Tuesday, defeating Japan’s three-time world champion Akane Yamaguchi 21-17, 21-9 to win Asian Games gold and underline her status as the world’s No. 1-ranked female badminton player.The South Korean star has now collected virtually every major prize the sport has to offer. Already a Paris Olympic champion and two-time world champion, An has added a second Asian Games gold medal to her collection, further strengthening her extraordinary claim to the top of the women’s game.An dropped to her knees after sealing victory, before arching backwards and looking skyward in an emotional celebration.“It feels like a dream,” An said. “I am so happy and I’m overwhelmed with emotion as I think back to all the hard work I’ve put in.”Asian Games Full Coverage | Medal Tally | Schedule
An leaves Yamaguchi chasing shadows
The final was a demonstration of An’s athleticism, court coverage and relentless pressure. She repeatedly used the full width and depth of the court, forcing Yamaguchi into long, exhausting movements before finding openings to finish points.“I decided to approach the match with the aim of making my opponent feel rushed and forcing her to move around a lot,” An said.Yamaguchi, a three-time world champion, struggled to match An’s pace in the second game as the South Korean surged away to a commanding 21-9 victory.An had earlier defeated China’s Chen Yufei in the semifinals, extending her winning streak against her Chinese rival to five matches.
South Korea’s An Se-young gestures after her win against Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi. (AP Photo)
From controversy to another major title
An’s journey to the top has also included difficult moments. After winning Olympic gold in Paris, she criticised South Korea’s national training system, saying she had been forced to play through a knee injury and questioning some training methods. She later backed away from her threat to pursue an independent path.But on the court, An’s response has been emphatic. With another Asian Games title secured, the 24-year-old has once again demonstrated why she sits at the summit of women’s badminton.
