An Se Young on Nov. 8 blocks an attack by rival Akane Yamaguchi from Japan in the women's singles final of the Korea Open at Jinnam Stadium in Yeosu, Jeollanam-do Province. (Yonhap News)

By Lee Jihae

For the second straight year, badminton superstar An Se Young has tied the season record for individual titles with 11.

The world's top-ranked female player on Nov. 8 defeated Japan's Akane Yamaguchi (21-12, 15-21, 21-16) for the women's singles title of the Badminton World Federation Korea Open at Jinnam Stadium in Yeosu, Jeollanam-do Province.

An is thus the world's first player to win 11 titles in a season for two consecutive years.

In the 12 individual tournaments she has competed in this year, she lost only the All England Open.

Her 11 titles ties the record for most in a season by a male or female player. Japan's Kento Momota set the record in 2019, something that An matched last year and this month.

The same day, Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae, the world top-ranked men's doubles pair, defeated Takuro Hoki and Yugo Kobayashi of Japan (21-12, 20-22, 21-19) for the title.

Last year, Kim and Seo also tied the men's doubles record for most titles in a season with 11, including their triumph at last year's world championships.

jihlee08@korea.kr