Wang Zhiyi ends nine-match drought against world No. 1 An Seyoung at All England Open final; Historic breakthrough against world No. 1
Badminton - BWF World Championships 2026: Wang Zhiyi on her rapid rise, “I have become more resilient” - exclusive
BWF World Championships 2026: Wang Zhiyi on her rapid rise, “I have become more resilient” - exclusive
The third-ranked Chinese shuttler snapped a long, long losing streak against world No. 1 An Seyoung in the All England Open final. In an interview with Olympics.com, Wang speaks her mind ahead of the BWF World Championships in New Delhi this week.
There was pain for Wang Zhiyi after failing to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games .
Yet there has been plenty of gain since for the 26-year-old Chinese shuttler , who is currently ranked third in the world in women’s singles and one of the favourites for the BWF World Championships 2026 in New Delhi .
“To be honest, missing the last Olympic Games in Paris was something I do feel regretful about,” Wang told Olympics.com ahead of the 17-23 August tournament.
“In terms of the result, there was definitely some regret. But for me personally, it was also an experience.
“And it is because of these experiences that I have become more resilient.”
BWF World Championships 2026: The draw
BWF singles world rankings - Shi Yuqi, An Seyoung still No. 1
At the All England Open, Wang Zhiyi ended a nine-match skid in a final against world No. 1 An Seyoung.
Wang Zhiyi on beating An Seyoung: “A very big breakthrough”
Wang has risen as high as No. 2 post-Paris and this season, had a major breakthrough by winning the All England Open for her first time.
Becoming All England champion is something in its own but for Wang it had extra significance as she beat world No. 1 An Seyoung for the title, ending a nine-match losing streak in a final against the Republic of Korea star.
“I think All England was a very big breakthrough for me. I was facing a very strong opponent, and I had lost to her (nine) times in a row before that.
“But on the court, I did not think too much about how I had to win this time. I focused more on doing well in every single point in the moment. I hope I can continue to carry that kind of state into future matches.”
Be it An or Japan’s reiging world champion Yamaguchi Akane or countrywomen Chen Yufei and Han Yue , Wang relishes the opportunity of facing the cream of the crop in the women’s game.
“I really enjoy playing against these top players. Every match between us is different, and we play different kinds of matches in different venues.
“After each match, everyone will review and analyse what happened, and then prepare for the next encounter. So I think we are pushing each other forward.
“I also hope that, through this kind of competitiveness, the women’s singles event can continue to develop and get better.”
Wang: “Always see myself as a challenger”
At New Delhi, Wang has been drawn with Beiwen Zhang of the United States in the first round. She is on the same side of the bracket as An, and the two could potentially square off again in the semi-finals.
Wang, though, is not letting the success of All England or her ranking get to her head. She understands that it is a journey and not a day trip.
Wang has yet to appear in a final at worlds. But if she managed to figure something out at All England - which is challenging to say the least versus An, the young GOAT of women’s badminton - Wang just might level up again under the gaze of a global audience.
“I think as the rankings keep changing, you go through different stages,” she says.
“At the beginning of your career, you are the one trying to challenge others. Then, when you reach the top level, opponents start to study you. I think that is all part of the process.
“For me, the more important thing is to position myself in the right way. I hope I can always see myself as a challenger.”
Badminton | World Championships | New Delhi | India