‘Feels like a dream’: Se-young completes badminton gold with Asian Games triumph over Akane Yamaguchi

South Korean gold medalist Ahn Se-young (AP Photo) Se-young added another glittering chapter to her extraordinary career on Tuesday when she defeated Japan’s three-time world champion Akane Yamaguchi 21-17, 21-9 to win Asian Games gold and underline her status as the world’s number one badminton player.The South Korean star has now collected virtually every major award the sport has to offer. Already a Paris Olympic champion and two-time world champion, An added a second Asian Games gold medal to her collection, further strengthening her extraordinary claim to the pinnacle of the women’s game.After sealing the victory, An dropped to her knees before arching back and looking up at the sky in emotional celebration.“It feels like a dream,” An said. “I’m so happy and overwhelmed with emotion when I think back to all the hard work I put into this.Asian Games full coverage | Medal Tally | Schedule

Yamaguchi leaves chase shadows

The final was a showcase of Ana’s athleticism, court coverage and relentless pressure. She repeatedly used the full width and depth of the court, forcing Yamaguchi into long, grueling moves before finding openings for set points.“I decided to approach the match with the goal of making my opponent feel rushed and make her move a lot,” An said.Yamaguchi, a three-time world champion, struggled to match Ano’s pace in the second game as the South Korean cruised to an impressive 21-9 victory.An earlier defeated China’s Chen Yufei in the semi-finals to extend her winning streak against her Chinese rival to five matches.

South Korea’s An Se-young gestures after her win against Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi. (AP photo)

From controversy to another major title

Ana’s journey to the top included some difficult moments. After winning Olympic gold in Paris, she criticized South Korea’s national training system, saying she was forced to play due to a knee injury and questioning some of the training methods. She later backtracked on her threat to go on a solo journey.But on the court, Ana’s response was emphatic. With another title secured at the Asian Games, the 24-year-old once again showed why she sits atop women’s badminton.