Shuttlecock Queen keeps her title

[Anchor]

The South Korean badminton team, led by coach Park Joo-bong, finished as runners-up in the World Mixed Team Championships, falling to China.

Recovering from injury, Ahn Se-young's impressive victory shone brightly, as the team recognized the need to improve their competitiveness in other events.

Kim Hwa-young reports.

[Report]

Reaching the finals, the South Korean badminton team pledged victory with a spirited chant.

["South Korea! We will win!"]

Amid overwhelming cheering of the Chinese home fans, Korea lost the first mixed doubles match after a fierce battle lasting 1 hour and 20 minutes. Despite the loss, the team aimed to turn the tide with Ahn Se-young, a guaranteed 'win card'.

As if to respond to expectations, Ahn Se-young skillfully targeted her opponent, Wang Zhiyi, with diagonal and straight shots, shaking her significantly.

Ahn Se-young's high clear shot landed perfectly on the end line, while Wang Zhiyi's shot went out, allowing Ahn to take the first set comfortably at 21-17.

Although she stumbled early in the second set due to errors, Ahn's signature solid defense and iron endurance ultimately shone through.

Coach Park Joo-bong also emphasized focus rather than special tactical instructions.

[Park Joo-bong/Head Coach of the Badminton Team: "Just hold on a little longer, just hold on! She's tired too!"]

Ahn Se-young widened the score gap with precise diagonal attacks, even in a situation where her racket string broke during a long rally.

Ultimately, Wang Zhiyi's final shot went out of bounds, and Ahn Se-young celebrated her victory with a roar, achieving her fifth consecutive 2-0 win in the tournament.

However, the South Korean team subsequently lost in the men's singles and women's doubles, remaining in second place.

The newly starting badminton team under Park Joo-bong's leadership brings home the task of strengthening competitiveness in men's and women's doubles.

This is Kim Hwa-young from KBS News.