Asia's greatest - Chong Wei and Lin Dan - have no plans to quit just yet
It was a match all badminton fans throughout the world were waiting for between reigning World No 1 Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia and five-time world champion and two-time Olympic gold medallist Lin Dan of China when the two took the courts for the Celcom Axiata Malaysia Open Superseries Premier in Kuching on Sunday.
The Chinese legend finally broke the jinx to lay his hands on the elusive Malaysia Open while for Chong Wei it was heartbreak in his quest for his 12th Malaysia Open title. And the sellout crowd at Stadium Perpaduan in Petra Jaya led to skirmishes and scuffles although giants screens were put up at the adjacent Stadium Square and Sarawak Aquatics Stadium for the semi-finals and final.
Chong Wei was disappointed that he fell at the final hurdle but took his defeat in his stride and said he will be back for his 12th Malaysia Open title. Lin Dan took 55 minutes for his 21-19, 21-14 to inflict the painful defeat on the Malaysian who had beaten in the semi-finals in last year's Rio Olympics.
"I will be back. I lost concentration in the first set when leading 19-15 and allowed Lin Dan to snatch six straight points. That was the turning point in my game as Lin Dan played a more aggressive game and gained confidence after gaining few points lead, " said the 34-year-old Chong Wei. "You will see me playing competitive badminton as long as there is fire in me. This final was played between two of the oldest players and hopefully we will continue playing." Lin Dan was so happy and delighted with his win that he took off his shirt and collapsed on the court before his coaches and teammates heaped on him.
When he regained he took off to hug Chong Wei, whom he had momentarily forgotten. The duo later exchanged their shirts amidst more hugs much to the delight of the fans.
A delighted Lin Dan said: "I have accomplished my mission...I have broken the jinx. I have finally won the elusive Malaysia Open. Now I have completed a sweep of all the titles...from world championships and Olympics to superseries titles," said Lin Dan, adding that Chong Wei always brings out the best in his badminton. Lin Dan pocketed USD45,000 for his efforts while Chong Wei settled for USD22,800.
RESULTS (ALL FINALS)
MEN'S SINGLES
Lin Dan (Chn) beat Lee Chong Wei (Chn) 21-19, 21-14
MEN'S DOUBLES
Marcus Fernaldi Gideon-Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo (Ina) beat Fu Haifeng-Zheng Siwei (Chn) 21-14, 14-21. 21-12
WOMEN'S SINGLES
Tai Tzu Ying (Tpe) beat Carolina Marin (Spn) 23-25, 22-20, 21-13
WOMEN'S DOUBLES
Yuki Fukushima-Sayaka Hirota (Jpn) beat Huang Yaqiong-Tang Jinhua (Chn) 21-17, 18-21. 21-12
MIXED DOUBLES
Zheng Siwei-Chen Qingchen (Chn) beat Lu Kai-Huang Yaqiong (Chn) 21-15, 21-18
Related Article
World and Olympic Champions Competing at the BAMTC 2023
Job Vacancy: Chief Operating Officer
