Wang Zhiyi Wins All England Open, Ending An Se-young’s Dominant Streak

China’s Wang Zhiyi defeated South Korea’s An Se-young to win the women’s singles title at the 2026 All England Open Badminton Championships in Birmingham on Sunday, March 8, 2026. The victory ended An Se-young’s 36-match winning streak and marked China’s first All England women’s singles crown in seven years.

A Stunning Upset at the Utilita Arena

The final score was 21-15, 21-19, a testament to Wang Zhiyi’s composed and tactical performance. The match took place at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham, England, captivating audiences with its intensity. After a commanding 20-15 lead in the second game, An Se-young mounted a late charge, narrowing the gap to 20-19 before Wang secured the final point.

Breaking the Head-to-Head and the Winning Streak

This win was particularly significant as it ended Wang Zhiyi’s 10-match losing streak against An Se-young, who had previously held an 18-4 career head-to-head advantage. An Se-young’s remarkable 37-match winning streak, which began on September 28, 2025, was also brought to an end.

Tactical Mastery and Mental Fortitude

Wang Zhiyi employed a patient strategy, utilizing four-corner rallies to stretch the court and exploit An Se-young’s backhand. She maintained composure even when trailing early in the first game, quickly regaining control. After the match, Wang emphasized the importance of her mindset, stating, “The key today was my mentality. In previous matches, I might not have stayed patient for so many shots. Today I did — and that’s when my opponent made mistakes.”

China Dominates in Women’s Events

China’s success wasn’t limited to the women’s singles. Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning secured the women’s doubles title, defeating South Korea’s Baek Ha-na and Lee So-hee 21-18, 21-12. This victory marked their first All England title and extended their season-long winning streak to 15 matches. Tan Ning expressed her excitement, noting the historical significance of their names being added to the trophy alongside previous Chinese champions.

Men’s Competition Disappoints for China

However, the Chinese men’s team faced setbacks. Defending champion Shi Yuqi suffered a first-round defeat in men’s singles, and other Chinese players also exited the tournament early. Chinese pairs also failed to reach the finals in mixed doubles and men’s doubles.

Looking Ahead

Wang Zhiyi’s victory at the All England Open is a significant milestone in her career and a boost for China’s women’s badminton program as they approach the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The win has shattered An Se-young’s aura of invincibility and injected fresh confidence into the Chinese team. Wang Zhiyi, reflecting on her achievement, posted on Chinese social media, “Unbelievable!!! Finally unlocked the All England title. Thank you to my team and everyone who supports me. I’ll get back to training when I return.”