The year had barely begun, yet An Se Young, Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae had already sent an ominous message to their rivals.

Just weeks after closing a record-breaking 2025, the Korean trio laid down another marker at the very first event of the new season, sweeping the women’s singles and men’s doubles titles at PETRONAS Malaysia Open 2026.

Facing China’s Wang Zhi Yi, An looked in control after taking the first game 21-15 before finding herself in trouble in the second, trailing 17-9. What followed was a display of calm, belief and stamina. Point by point, she reeled Wang back in, trusting herself even as the pressure mounted and eventually sealed the match 24-22 – securing her third consecutive Malaysia Open title.

“I tried to relax and calm myself down,” An said about her approach when eight points down. “Without realising it, I was suddenly ahead. From there, I kept pushing forward with more confidence. It’s a good start to my year. I’m so happy.”

Against Wang, she sensed a familiar hesitation born from past defeats and she did not let the chance slip. “When that moment comes,” she admitted, “somehow confidence swells inside me”.

Despite everything she achieved last year, An insists she is not chasing numbers or milestones.

“This year, I will put everything I have into having another good season,” she said. “I won’t be thinking about records. The focus will be on each tournament.”

The men’s doubles final demanded a different kind of resolve.

Kim and Seo were pushed to the limit by home favourites Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, themselves hoping to become the first local winners in eight years. After splitting the opening two games, the Koreans dug deep in a tense decider, eventually doing just enough to prevail 21-15 12-21 21-18.

There was also an unseen battle for Seo, who revealed he had been carrying a shoulder injury since the quarterfinals. “It’s still painful now,” he said, “but thankfully Won Ho covered for me a lot”.

Their partnership, however, continues to grow stronger. Since winning their first tournament after reuniting at this very event last January, their understanding has deepened.

“We communicate a lot no matter what we do now,” Seo said. “The synergy has got better.”

Like An, Kim and Seo are determined to keep their feet on the ground. Records can wait; consistency and health come first.

“More than chasing records, we want to concentrate on doing our best in every match and finish the year without injuries,” Kim said.

After a dominant season and a triumphant opening act in 2026, Korea’s stars have made one thing clear: the hunger is still there and the tone for the new year has been set.

→ Results (Finals)

WHAT OTHERS SAID

“I promised to do my interview in English on camera if I won the final. I watch American dramas, that’s how I’ve been able to expand my English.” – Women’s doubles winner Tan Ning

“I hoped to do better at this Malaysia Open because (my idol) Lee Chong Wei holds such a good record here. He gave me a lot of advice.” – Kunlavut Vitidsarn after becoming the first Thai man to win the singles title in 64 years

“I felt pain in my back the day before. After a smash, it tightened. I took painkillers yesterday and when I woke up this morning the pain was worse but I wanted to try my best. I’m happy Kunlavut could play well and I hope he can help raise the level of men’s singles.” – Shi Yu Qi on his retirement