Persistent knee issues had threatened to thwart world No. 1 An Seyoung’s Malaysia Open campaign all week, but she shrugged that off, going all the way to win the title and start her season on a victorious note.
The 21-year-old, who said she was only at 70 per cent, defeated Taiwanese Tai Tzu-ying 10-21, 21-10, 21-18 in the Jan 14 final to earn US$91,000 S$120,000) in prize money.
An, who had lost to Tai in the semi-finals of the Badminton World Federation World Tour Finals in December, also became the first South Korean to win the women’s singles of the Super 1000 competition.
The full house at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur responded with raucous cheers as An, who had beaten the likes of China’s Zhang Yiman and Singapore’s Yeo Jia Min en route to the final, celebrated her win with double fist pumps.
“It is a good start for the year towards the Olympic Games,” said An, whose right knee was heavily strapped after hurting it at the Asian Games last October.
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