Great all the time! Se-young script history, ends Susi Susanti’s 29-year reign with record 47th badminton title

An Se Young of South Korea celebrates winning the women’s singles final at the Denmark Open in Odense. (Photo by AP/PTI) South Korean badminton superstar An Se-young rewrote the history books, becoming the most decorated women’s singles player in international badminton and ending Indonesian legend Susi Susanti’s nearly three-decade reign at the top.The Olympic champion reached the milestone with a hard-fought 21-23, 21-14, 21-18 victory over Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi in Sunday’s Denmark Open final in Odense. The triumph took Ano to 47 international titles, surpassing Susanti’s record of 46, which had stood since the Indonesian great retired in 1997.The Badminton World Federation (BWF) confirmed the milestone, noting that its records, kept since 1989, do not include titles won at regional games. The governing body hailed the 24-year-old South Korean as “an all-time great”.

An’s record-breaking run ends legendary reign

Susanti, one of badminton’s most famous figures, held the record for most international women’s singles titles for almost 29 years. An’s latest triumph has now overtaken the Indonesian icon and underlines her remarkable consistency at the highest level.“I want to make a lot of history and break records, but I’m just focusing on one match at a time,” An said after her victory, reflecting on the achievement. “That’s my motivation. The crowds are coming for me and I’m happy that people are enjoying every match I play.”The world number one has held the top ranking for 105 consecutive weeks and has established herself as a dominant force in women’s badminton. She won a record 11 titles in a single season in 2025 and is building another extraordinary campaign this year.

Comeback victory despite ankle scare

Ano’s record-breaking success came after a tough final against Yamaguchi, who won the opening match 23-21. The South Korean responded strongly, winning the second 21-14 to force a decision.The final game presented another challenge with An trailing 11-5 and appearing to injure her right ankle after slipping on the court. Despite the setback, she regained her rhythm, took advantage of the slower side of the court and completed the comeback with a 21-18 win.“It’s a bit bad,” An admitted after the match. “The court conditions were tough and I slipped. I’ll check my body and talk to my (coaches). I was on the slower side of the court in the last match and I was more confident.”The win secured her second Denmark Open crown and ninth individual title of the season.

A season of remarkable dominance

Ana’s latest achievement adds to a season in which she has won six BWF World Tour singles titles and claimed major honors at the Asian Championships, World Championships and Asian Games, along with success in team competitions.Her only defeat in 2026 came in the All England Open final in March, where she lost to China’s Wang Zhiyi.An’s rivalry with Yamaguchi also became one of the defining contests in women’s badminton. The South Korean has now won his last 10 matches in a row.“I think she is my best opponent. I always want to win against her. She motivates me to train harder,” said An. “Wang Zhi Yi and Chen Yu Fei are also rivals, and I’m glad to have them. Rivalry makes you better.”With the record now hers, An has moved on from chasing individual titles to creating a legacy that could define an era in women’s badminton.