An Se-young reclaims world title, eyes Asian Games repeat

An Se-young has reclaimed the Badminton World Championships title, defeating world No. 2 Akane Yamaguchi of Japan 2-0 in the final. This victory marks her triumphant return to competition after a left foot injury sustained in August, which had cast doubt on her participation.

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I didn't want to dwell on my previous win three years ago. I just thought of it as a source of strength to move forward. This win feels much better than the one three years ago.

Despite the injury, An Se-young's performance was flawless, as she did not drop a single game throughout the tournament. This dominant display solidifies her position as the world's top player. "I didn't want to dwell on my previous win three years ago," An Se-young stated upon her return to Seoul. "I just thought of it as a source of strength to move forward. This win feels much better than the one three years ago."

The path to this championship was challenging. After suffering an injury at the Japan Open, An Se-young withdrew from the subsequent China Open to focus on rehabilitation. This strategic decision proved crucial, allowing her to recover and compete at her peak.

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We were worried about the lingering effects of the injury and focused on maintaining her match fitness. Skipping two tournaments ultimately helped her physically. She showed consistent performance from the first round to the final, which I believe she is also more satisfied with.

Park Joo-bong, the head coach of the national badminton team, expressed relief and satisfaction with An Se-young's performance. "We were worried about the lingering effects of the injury and focused on maintaining her match fitness," he said. "Skipping two tournaments ultimately helped her physically. She showed consistent performance from the first round to the final, which I believe she is also more satisfied with."

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Beating Yamaguchi is a really good sign. Even though the Asian Games are in Japan, I believe I can achieve good results by playing confidently with the mindset that I have nothing to lose. I will prepare well, just as I have been doing.

Looking ahead, An Se-young is brimming with confidence for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan. "Beating Yamaguchi is a really good sign," she said. "Even though the Asian Games are in Japan, I believe I can achieve good results by playing confidently with the mindset that I have nothing to lose. I will prepare well, just as I have been doing." She aims to defend her title from the previous Hangzhou Asian Games, where she ended a 29-year gold medal drought for South Korea in women's singles.

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The Asian Games is a tournament every player wants to win, and I really want to win the gold medal too. The most important thing is not to feel pressured. I believe I can achieve good results by playing with more confidence through hard work.