An Se-young breaks records, becomes first woman with over 120,000 points and highest ELO rating in badminton history

World No. 1 An Se-young has achieved unprecedented milestones in badminton, solidifying her status as a generational talent. After clinching her second World Badminton Championships gold medal last week, she not only maintained her top ranking but also became the first female singles player ever to surpass 120,000 points in the official rankings. This remarkable achievement underscores her consistent dominance on the international stage.

Her exceptional performance this season is highlighted by an astounding 44-1 win-loss record, with her sole defeat occurring in the finals of the All England Open. In the World Championships, she showcased absolute control, winning the title without dropping a single game. This level of performance demonstrates her superior skill and mental fortitude against the world's best.

Furthermore, An Se-young has rewritten the record books in the ELO rating system, a method used to assess player rankings based on historical match results. According to Badminton Ranks, her ELO score has climbed to 2903 points, making her the first player in any of the five disciplines to break the 2900-point barrier. This system allows for objective comparisons of player strength across different eras.

In the current ELO rankings, An Se-young leads the pack, followed by legendary figures such as Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei. Other top players like Kento Momota and Viktor Axelsen are also ranked below her, with Taiwan's Tai Tzu-ying at sixth. An Se-young's record-breaking performances not only place her at the pinnacle of the sport today but also position her as one of the greatest players in badminton history.