Top five players with most BWF All England Open titles in Open Era

South Korean players dominate the list.

Have you ever wondered what real badminton royalty looks like? Since 1979 prize money entered the equation and the sport’s Open Era began, a select few have dominated one of the most prestigious tournaments in badminton – the All England Open.

The Royal Albert Hall in London made history when the first open tournament offered players the opportunity to receive financial rewards for their mastery. But who has truly mastered this hallowed event? Who has stood tallest on badminton’s most revered stage? Let’s count down the five players who’ve claimed the most All England crowns in the Open Era!

Also Read: BWF All England Open: Full list of title winners

5. Ra Kyung-min (6 titles)

Ra Kyung-min might start our list, but there was nothing fifth-place about her dominance! The South Korean specialist collected 6 All England titles, with only one coming in women’s doubles (1999 with Chung Jae-hee) while the remaining five were in mixed doubles brilliance, primarily alongside her future husband, Kim Dong-moon.

Their partnership wasn’t just successful but historic, they produced a jaw-dropping 70-match winning streak and 14 consecutive international titles! Their chemistry extended beyond the court when they married in 2005 after retirement.

Also Read: Top five oldest badminton tournaments of all-time

4. Kim Dong-moon (6 titles)

Speaking of Kim Dong-moon, the versatile South Korean claims equal billing with 6, All England crowns, but his legacy extends far beyond this number.

Kim is the only South Korean to capture Olympic gold in men’s and mixed doubles events! What about his All England Triumphs? His All-England triumphs came via two men’s doubles titles with Ha Tae-Kwon and four mixed doubles championships with Ra.

Their partnership was so dominant that in 2003, they went undefeated from April to November, sweeping 10 straight tournaments! No wonder Kim entered the BWF Hall of Fame in 2009.

3. Chung Myung-hee (9 titles)

Chung Myung-hee set South Korean badminton standards in the 1980s and early 90s. She won 9 All England titles in women’s doubles (5) and mixed doubles (4). Chung’s smooth movements and clever strategy on the court caused other players to be intimidated by him.

She found her best partner in Park Joo-bong for mixed doubles, and they won four titles in a row from 1986 to 1991. They had something special when they played together.

They always knew where to be, reacted super fast, and seemed to read each other’s minds, leaving their rivals confused!

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2. Park Joo-bong (9 titles)

Park Joo-bong also has nine All England titles, which he won over a long period from 1985 to 1996! This South Korean champion won four men’s doubles titles (with Kim Moon-soo) and five in mixed doubles, four with Chung Myung-hee. What made Park stand out? Park’s court coverage and deceptive shot-making tricked opponents! He didn’t just win at the All-England.

He also won Olympic gold in men’s doubles at Barcelona 1992 and three World Championship titles in mixed doubles. Since he was so good at the game, many countries later hired him as coach.

1. Gao Ling (11 titles)

Chinese star Gao Ling tops the list, winning 11 All England titles. Gao ruled from 2001 to 2008 with 6 women’s doubles titles (all with Huang Sui) and 5 mixed doubles wins (with Zhang Jun).

Also Read: Top five fastest smashes in women’s badminton history

Her skill at the net, game sense, and constant friendly grin made her not a winner, but a fan favorite! Four Olympic medals (the most for any badminton player) cement her place as the best double player the game has ever known. When Gao walked onto the court, rivals knew they faced badminton royalty!

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