An Se-young Reaches Asian Games Final After Defeating Yamaguchi

Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail

NAGOYA: Badminton world number one An Se-young reached the final of the women’s team event at the Asian Games after defeating Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi in a closely contested semi-final on Wednesday.

The reigning world and Olympic champion overcame world number three Yamaguchi in three games, winning 21-9, 18-21, 21-11 in Nagoya.

An made a strong start and comfortably won the opening game, but Yamaguchi responded in the second to level the contest. The South Korean then regained control in the deciding game to secure the victory.

The 24-year-old admitted that she became frustrated during the match and was visibly reacting to her mistakes.

An said she felt her concentration was not at its best, noting that she could hear various sounds from the crowd, including commentators.

She also spoke humorously about her father, who was watching the match from the stands and continued cheering throughout the contest.

An joked that while parents can find it difficult to watch their children compete, her father appeared to be enjoying the experience from the stands.

Despite the tense moments, An maintained her composure when it mattered and completed the victory in three games.

The result keeps South Korea in contention for the Asian Games women’s team title.