Suwon, South Korea – World No. 1 An Se Young is one step away from clinching her 8th title of the 2025 season after her semifinal opponent, Pornpawee Chochuwong of Thailand, was forced to retire due to injury at the 2025 Korea Open, a BWF Super 500 tournament.
A Semifinal Cut Short
The semifinal match started competitively, with Chochuwong briefly leading 12–10 in the first game. However, An Se Young showcased her trademark consistency and court control to take the opener 21–19.
Just minutes into the second game, with An leading 8–0, tragedy struck as Chochuwong pulled her left calf muscle and collapsed on court. Despite medical attention, she was unable to continue and had to leave the court in a wheelchair, visibly emotional.
Title Streak and Record Within Reach
With this win, An Se Young advances to her 8th final of the season. The Korean star has already secured titles at:
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Malaysia Open
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India Open
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Orleans Masters
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All England Open
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Indonesia Open
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Japan Open
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China Masters
A victory on home soil tomorrow would not only mark her 8th title in 2025, but also tie her with Bang Soo-hyun (1993, 1994, 1996) for the most Korea Open women’s singles titles (3) in history.
She will face Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi in what promises to be an electrifying final.
Watch the Highlights:
🎥 An Se Young vs. Pornpawee Chochuwong – Korea Open Semifinals
Mixed Doubles: All-China Final Locked In
In other badminton news, China has already locked in the mixed doubles title, as both their top pairs advanced to the final:
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Feng Yan Zhe / Huang Dong Ping (Top Seeds)
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Jiang Zhen Bang / Wei Ya Xin (Second Seeds)
Jiang/Wei battled past Denmark’s Mathias Christiansen / Alexandra Bøje in a tough match 21–19, 21–18, while Feng/Huang defeated Indonesia’s Amri Syahnawi / Nita Violina Marwah 22–20, 21–12.
The final will mark the 14th meeting between the two Chinese duos, with Feng/Huang holding an 11–2 head-to-head advantage.
Women’s Doubles Final: Japan vs. Korea
Meanwhile, the women’s doubles final will be contested between:
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Rin Iwanaga / Kie Nakanishi (Japan, No. 1 seeds)
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Kim Hye Jeong / Kong Hee Yong (Korea, No. 2 seeds)
A thrilling clash awaits, as Korea aims to secure a title on home ground.
An Se Young’s incredible run continues to captivate fans around the world. With dominance, consistency, and the mental toughness of a true champion, she now stands on the brink of another career milestone.
Will she finish the week with her 8th title of 2025 and tie the all-time Korea Open record? All eyes will be on Suwon for Sunday’s final.
