An Se-young of South Korea extended her unbeaten run in 2025 by claiming her third major title of the year at the BWF Orleans Masters on Sunday, March 9. The Paris 2024 Olympic badminton champion defeated China’s Chen Yufei, the eighth seed and Tokyo 2020 gold medalist, with a commanding 21-14, 21-15 scoreline in the final to secure her victory.
This win not only added another prestigious title to An’s collection but also maintained her perfect 100% record in 2025, as she has now won every tournament she has entered this year. Her performance in Orleans was nothing short of dominant, as she sealed the match in straight sets, completing the 45-minute contest with a confident display of skill and composure.
Before the final, An had faced a tough challenge in the semifinals against Chinese shuttler Gao Fangjie. After a hard-fought three-game encounter, she was looking for a less taxing match in the final. And that’s exactly what she delivered. An came into the match with confidence and played with precision, never allowing Chen to find a rhythm. With her superior court coverage, sharp attacking play, and excellent defensive skills, An dictated the tempo of the match from start to finish.
In the first game, An quickly built a lead and comfortably sealed it 21-14, showcasing her tactical brilliance and strong net play. Chen, despite being a formidable opponent, could not respond to An’s pace and variety of shots. In the second game, Chen attempted to fight back but was unable to break An’s momentum. The Korean continued to dominate, sealing the final 21-15 to secure her third title of the year.
For An, this victory is another milestone in what has been a standout year. After her Olympic gold medal win in Paris 2024, she has shown no signs of slowing down, proving her consistency at the top level. With this win, An’s confidence is sky-high as she heads into the next part of the season.
Chen Yufei, the Tokyo 2020 gold medalist, was a tough opponent but ultimately came up short in the final. Despite a strong start in the tournament, she could not withstand An’s relentless pressure and pace. Still, the Chinese shuttler can be proud of her performance throughout the tournament, as she made it to the final after a series of impressive wins.
An’s victory at the Orleans Masters marks her third major honor of 2025, further cementing her place as one of the best players in world badminton right now. Her form this year has been exceptional, and with her strong all-around game, she is poised for even greater success in the tournaments to come.
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