An Se Young, the world's top-ranked women's badminton player, on Jan. 11 celebrates after beating Wang Zhiyi of China to win the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Malaysia Open in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (BWF)

By Kang Gahui

An Se Young, the world's No. 1 singles player in women's badminton, on Jan. 11 won her first title of the new year.

An on Jan. 11 defeated world No. 2 Wang Zhiyi of China, 21-15, 24-22, in 56 minutes at the Badminton World Federation Malaysia Open in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The Korean came back in both sets to claim victory, trailing 6-1 in the first but rallying to victory. She also fell behind 19-13 in the second but ran off six straight points to force deuce and win.

An is thus the fourth player to win the Malaysia Open three straight times, joining Suzy Susanti (Indonesia), Zhang Ning (China) and Tai Tzu-ying (Taiwan).

In men's doubles, Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae, the world's top-ranked duo, defeated hometown favorites Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik of Malaysia, 2-1.

The Kim-Seo team last year won 11 tournaments including the world championships, and together with An, they tied the mark for most wins in a season set in 2019 by Kento Momota of Japan.

In women's doubles, Lee So-hee and Baek Ha-na finished runner-up to the world's top-ranked pair of Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning of China, losing in straight sets (21-18, 21-12).

Next for these stars is the India Open slated to open on Jan. 13.

kgh89@korea.kr