An Se-young reaches world championships semifinals, eyes second title after injury return

World No. 1 An Se-young of Samsung Life returned from injury to reach the semifinals of the BWF World Championships, staying firmly on course for her second career title.

An defeated world No. 5 Han Yue of China 2-0 (21-19, 21-12) in 40 minutes in the women's singles quarterfinals of the 2026 BWF World Championships in New Delhi, India, on Friday (Korean Standard Time).

An had briefly halted her winning streak last month after complaining of left foot pain at the Japan Open, then canceled all remaining international engagements to spend a month in rehabilitation. Returning to competition at this tournament within about a month, she has not dropped a single game since her comeback.

An won every match 2-0 from the round of 64 through Friday's quarterfinal, dropping no games along the way. Even while managing her workload carefully, she has displayed dominant form that has put injury concerns to rest.

The first game was tightly contested. An built a 16-12 lead after a grueling series of rallies, only to concede three straight points and allow Han back into the match. She then gave up three more to fall behind 17-18.

An steadied herself, however, reeling off three consecutive points to reach game point and holding off Han's challenge to take the first game.

Her dominance was even clearer in the second game. After the two players were locked at 10-10, An rattled off nine straight points to seize control. She ultimately closed out the game 21-12, wrapping up the match in 40 minutes.

A victory at this tournament would give An her second career BWF World Championships title. The event, considered one of badminton's most prestigious alongside the Summer Olympics, runs through Sunday.

An became the first Korean singles player in history to win the world championships at the 2023 edition in Copenhagen. At last year's Paris edition, she fell to Chen Yufei of China in the semifinals and settled for bronze.

With a strong run at this tournament, An has moved one step closer to reclaiming the world title for the first time in three years.

Her semifinal opponent will be world No. 3 Wang Zhi Yi of China. An holds a commanding 12-1 record against Wang across their last 13 meetings.

However, there is no room for complacency. An lost to Wang in the final of the All England Open (Super 1000) in March, surrendering the title. The semifinal is a chance to avenge that defeat and secure a spot in the world championships final.