Bali, Indonesia, December 5, 2021: An Se-young of Korea secured the biggest title of her career by winning the USD 1.5 million HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2021 with a 21-16, 21-12 win over India’s Pusarla V. Sindhu on Sunday, December 5.
In the process, An, 19, becomes the first Korean women’s singles player to win a season-ending championship, proving she is a rising powerhouse after claiming three back-to-back titles on the tour.
“When I play badminton, I’m always happy,” she said.
Taking 39 minutes, the young Korean was deadly around the court, attacking the two-time Olympic medallist with winners at every opportunity.
“I was listening to my coach who was telling me to attack my opponent on court. I felt like I attacked the match with my style today,” she said.
An remained cool, calm and collected in closing out the deal, something she has been working on. “People tell me I’m mature, but I know I’m young. When I play, it’s a learning process,” she added.
Now she is favourite to win the World Championships in Huelva, Spain from December 12-19.
“It’s been a tiring three weeks for me. I’m super glad to come away with three titles and I’m very happy about it. I’m really excited about the World Championships and I’m hoping to play without any injuries.”
Denmark’s Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games champion Viktor Axelsen beat Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand 21-12, 21-8 in the men’s final.