Republic of Korea’s An Seyoung got her Denmark Open 2025 badminton campaign off to a strong start after eliminating Clara Azurmendi of Spain 2-0 (21-15, 21-9) on Tuesday (14 October).
The first game between the pair started closely, with the World No.1 repeatedly gaining and losing the lead to Azurmendi as they settled into their women’s singles opener in Odense.
Down 9-11 at the break, An came to life to move 15-12 ahead. When Azurmendi eventually replied, the Korean produced a second successive burst of three points to go 18-13 up and firmly take control of the encounter, ultimately needing two game points to take it, 21-15.
Now in her rhythm, the Paris 2024 Olympic gold medallist then hit her straps in the second game. Jumping out to a 7-1 lead, Azurmendi managed to close the gap to 9-7, but it would be the closest she would come to the World No.1, looking to avenge her defeat in the final of last year’s tournament.
A string of six unanswered points gave An a 16-7 advantage, before later erupting again with a four-point run at 17-9 to take the win.
An will return to action in the women’s Round of 16, where she will face the winner of Nidaira Natsuki v Pai Yu Po.