Yeosu, South Korea, November 6, 2026: World No. 1 An Se Young extended her remarkable 2026 record to 69 wins and just one defeat on Friday, sweeping past Japan’s Riko Gunji 21-7, 21-13 to reach the women’s singles semifinals of the Korea Open.
The South Korean badminton star needed just 37 minutes to defeat the eighth seed at Jinnam Stadium, moving one step closer to her 11th title of the season at the BWF World Tour Super 500 tournament.
Meanwhile, Canada’s Victor Lai, Hong Kong’s Lee Cheuk Yiu and Jason Gunawan, and Chinese Taipei’s Wang Tzu Wei also secured places in the men’s singles semifinals.
An Se Young Extends Winning Streak to 53 Matches
Playing in front of her home supporters, An Se Young delivered another commanding performance against Japan’s Riko Gunji.
After establishing a 10-7 advantage in the opening game, An won 11 consecutive points to close it out 21-7 without allowing her opponent another point.
The 24-year-old Korean maintained control in the second game, completing a 21-13 victory to secure her semifinal berth.
The win extended An’s reported winning streak to 53 matches and improved her season record to an extraordinary 69-1, representing a 98.57 percent winning percentage.
Her only defeat this year came against China’s Wang Zhiyi in the All England Open final in March.
Having already captured 10 titles in 2026, An is now pursuing her 11th championship of the season, which would equal her personal best of 11 titles in a calendar year.
She will next face Japan’s fifth seed Hina Akechi, who recovered from a game down to defeat compatriot Tomoka Miyazaki 13-21, 23-21, 21-8.
Watch: An Se Young vs. Riko Gunji – 2026 Korea Open Quarterfinal Highlights
Video source: BWF
Victor Lai Defeats Yudai Okimoto to Reach Korea Open Semifinals
Canada’s second seed Victor Lai continued his impressive Korea Open campaign with a 21-19, 21-12 victory over Japan’s Yudai Okimoto.
The Canadian faced a tighter contest in the opening game before securing it 21-19. He then pulled away in the second game to complete the straight-game victory.
Lai will face Hong Kong’s Lee Cheuk Yiu in the semifinals after Lee survived two closely contested games against Chinese Taipei’s Wang Po Wei.
Lee prevailed 23-21, 23-21, winning both games in extra points to secure his place in the last four.
Watch: Victor Lai vs. Yudai Okimoto – 2026 Korea Open Quarterfinal Highlights
Video source: ADZ Badminton
Jason Gunawan Fights Back to Eliminate Anthony Ginting
Hong Kong’s Jason Gunawan produced a three-game comeback against Indonesia’s Anthony Sinisuka Ginting, winning 23-25, 21-11, 21-13.
After narrowly losing the opening game in extra points, Gunawan responded by taking the second 21-11 before completing the turnaround 21-13 in the decider.
He will face Chinese Taipei’s Wang Tzu Wei, who defeated South Korea’s Kim Hae Deun 21-12, 24-22.
The men’s singles semifinals on Saturday will therefore feature Victor Lai against Lee Cheuk Yiu and Wang Tzu Wei against Jason Gunawan.
Akane Yamaguchi Also Advances in Women’s Singles
Japan’s second seed Akane Yamaguchi joined An Se Young in the women’s singles semifinals after defeating Indonesia’s Ni Kadek Dhinda Amartya Pratiwi 21-13, 21-18.
Yamaguchi will face Chinese Taipei’s Lin Hsiang Ti, who recorded a convincing 21-6, 21-8 victory over South Korea’s Kim Min Sun.
With An Se Young chasing another title on home soil, the Korea Open women’s singles semifinals will feature two Japanese challengers and a Chinese Taipei representative attempting to prevent the Korean world No. 1 from reaching another final.
Complete Tournament Results
Men’s Singles – Quarterfinals
Victor Lai (Canada) defeated Yudai Okimoto (Japan), 21-19, 21-12.
Lee Cheuk Yiu (Hong Kong) defeated Wang Po Wei (Chinese Taipei), 23-21, 23-21.
Wang Tzu Wei (Chinese Taipei) defeated Kim Hae Deun (South Korea), 21-12, 24-22.
Jason Gunawan (Hong Kong) defeated Anthony Sinisuka Ginting (Indonesia), 23-25, 21-11, 21-13.
Women’s Singles – Quarterfinals
An Se Young (South Korea) defeated Riko Gunji (Japan), 21-7, 21-13.
Hina Akechi (Japan) defeated Tomoka Miyazaki (Japan), 13-21, 23-21, 21-8.
Akane Yamaguchi (Japan) defeated Ni Kadek Dhinda Amartya Pratiwi (Indonesia), 21-13, 21-18.
Lin Hsiang Ti (Chinese Taipei) defeated Kim Min Sun (South Korea), 21-6, 21-8.
