The India Open Super 750 badminton championship witnessed a masterclass from An Se-young on Saturday, as the South Korean top seed dismantled Ratchanok Intanon 21-9, 21-10 in the women’s singles semi-finals. The 32-minute rout at New Delhi’s KD Jadav Hall sends a strong message to her rivals.
An Se-young, fresh off multiple triumphs, showcased flawless technique and mental fortitude. Intanon’s attempts to employ her signature drops and deceptive shots fell flat against An’s vigilant anticipation. The first game was a statement of intent, with An surging to a 15-4 lead midway.
Post-interval, Intanon showed glimpses of her 2013 world champion pedigree, but An’s relentless pressure proved too much. The Korean’s smash accuracy hovered near 90%, per tournament stats, dismantling any hopes of a Thai resurgence.
This marks An’s deepest run in India, where she eyes her first title. Intanon, reflecting on the loss, noted: ‘Her speed and power were overwhelming today.’ The stage is set for an epic final, pitting An against either Han Yue or Line Hojmark Kjaersfeldt.
Badminton enthusiasts buzz with anticipation, as Se-young’s form positions her as the overwhelming favorite. Her journey from Olympic gold medalist to world dominator continues unabated in the heart of India.