An became the first player to complete a hat-trick of China Masters titles, while also extending her unbeaten record against Miyazaki to 8-0. The Olympic and world champion went through the tournament without dropping a game, with none of her opponents managing more than 28 points in a match.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI\u2019m so proud of myself. I\u2019m really pleased with the result and I feel so happy,\u201d An said after adding another trophy to her collection, as quoted by BWF.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The South Korean, who won 11 titles last year to tie the record for most in a season, is now on course to surpass that mark. However, An remained wary of the growing challenge from the emerging generation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThere are many players coming up and challenging. I don\u2019t think any match can be taken lightly,\u201d she said, stressing the importance of continuing to improve.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Miyazaki, ranked ninth in the world, offered greater resistance at the start of the final, using aggressive play to push An around the court and disrupt her rhythm. An, however, gradually regained control before pulling away decisively in the second game.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cTomoka put me under a lot of pressure, which left me a bit flustered,\u201d An admitted. \u201cBut I tried to calmly maintain my pace and tried not to rush.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The China Masters triumph adds to a season in which An has continued to establish herself as the dominant force in women\u2019s badminton. She also defeated Akane Yamaguchi 21-13, 21-15 in the semifinals in Shenzhen.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cTomoka put me under a lot of pressure, which left me a bit flustered,\u201d An admitted. \u201cBut I tried to calmly maintain my pace and tried not to rush.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
An will now return home to prepare for the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, where she will seek to defend her gold medal later this month.<\/p>\r\n\r\n