A 95-minute classic later, An Se Young declared: “I’m the queen of the All England!”

For sheer tenacity in the face of physical pain, the women’s singles final in the 115th edition of the All England between An and Wang Zhi Yi will occupy a special place in the record of the Olympic champion. An, far from her physical best, frequently doubled over in pain and clutching her knee, somehow willed herself on against an opponent who was just as tenacious. What unfolded over the 95 minutes was a spectacle of the two challenging each other to surmount physical and mental barriers, with marathon rallies and sharp attacking and defensive exchanges eliciting gasps from the audience.

There were mistakes from either side, and Wang would rue missed opportunities, but An did prove once again what makes her such a hard player to beat. She revealed later that she’d had a flu, which had hampered her usual ease of movement and physical indefatigability.

“I can’t even try to describe how hard today’s match was,” An winced, after the 13-21 21-18 21-18 result had taken her to her second All England title. The victory meant that the Korean picked up her 25th HSBC BWF World Tour title, and her third of the year.

“The match didn’t go as I planned, which made me a lot more tired. I had all sorts of emotions coming in my mind during the second game, but the only thought was to not give up. That thought motivated me to keep playing and that led to the win.

“I wanted to show the lesson I had learnt from the tearful (semifinal) ending from last year. So I’m pleased that I was able to give that lesson back. Today’s match showed me the direction I need to go.

“Winning this year’s All England has significant meaning to my career. By not giving up, I learnt that I could be very strong. I’m very proud of myself. Having said that, I have many emotions coming through my mind.”

As for the runner-up, Wang wasn’t too distraught, recognising that she’d had her chances.

“We both played at high level; the difference was in the details,” the world No.2 said. “There are so many things to reflect on. Overall I’m very pleased with my performance. I learnt a lot from her. I cherish today’s match and would like to play her again. It was such a physical match ; it was so important to be mentally clear. Both of us didn’t give up.”

Other Highlights

» Seven years after he last won the All England, Shi Yu Qi did it again. The No.1 was given a severe test by world No.22 Lee Chia Hao before Shi edged him 21-17 21-19.

» Guo Xin Wa/Chen Fang Hui won their first Super 1000 title, saving two match points to beat compatriots Feng Yan Zhe/Wei Ya Xin 21-16 10-21 23-21.

» Nami Matsuyama/Chiharu Shida won their first title since November 2023 beating compatriots and Malaysia Open champions Yuki Fukushima/Mayu Matsumoto 21-16 14-21 21-17.

» Kim Won Ho/Seo Seung Jae won their third title of the season and Korea’s first men’s doubles title at the All England in 13 years, beating Leo Rolly Carnando/Bagas Maulana 21-19 21-19.

→ Results

WHAT OTHERS SAID

“I only recently got to know that my mother has three All England titles. I’m happy that I’ve won, but I’m still some way behind her.” – Kim

“I was thinking of how to keep the rallies going as long as possible. There are always big goals ahead. I will keep going.” – Shi

“There isn’t a specific player I’ve learnt from. By watching top players, I naturally learn from them. I have to mention Tai Tzu Ying. Watching her train has given me inspiration.” – Lee

“I still don’t feel we’ve actually won. The dream has come true, so we are overwhelmed.” – Nami Matsuyama

“The dream comes true. It’s my second All England; the last one was five years ago. Towards the last point I couldn’t believe it. There have been ups and downs and many failures, but looking at today’s result, I think it’s all worth it.” – Guo