CHONG WEI WINS FOURTH ALL ENGLAND CROWN
Veteran wins fourth crown in crushing manner
LEE Chong Wei announced it loud and clear that he will return to Birmingham next year to defend his All England title after winning it for the fourth time yesterday.
The 35-year-old, who had earlier indicated that this could be his swan song, showed pure class at the Barclaycard Arena as he brushed aside China’s youngster Shi Yuqi 21-12, 2110 in the men’s singles final.
“I would like to thank all my fans here. The All England is my favourite tournament,” said Chong Wei.
“I feel like playing at home, I will definitely come back to defend my title here. Yes, I will come back.”
Chong Wei, who nearly did not make the trip following a knee injury last month, showed no signs of trouble but instead looked more determined than ever to prove a point this year.
The victory also came as a timely boost for the Malaysian, who had won the title in 2010, 2011 and 2014, as he gears up for the World Championships in Glasgow in August.
For his All England feat, Chong Wei pocketed US$45,000 (RM200,500) in prize money while Yuqi settled for US$22,800.
Chong Wei, who has yet to land a major title in his illustrious career, will return to Kuala Lumpur first before travelling to New Delhi for the India Open on March 28-April 2.
Chong Wei is also listed to play in the Malaysia Open in April before the Sudirman Cup (May) and Indonesia Open (June).
Meanwhile, mixed doubles Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying failed to land their maiden Premier crown on the Super Series circuit following a 18-21, 21-19, 21-16 defeat to China’s Lu Kai-Huang Yaqiong.
Lu Kai-Yaqiong took home US$47,400 (RM211,000) for their win while Peng SoonLiu Ying settled for US$22,800 (RM101,500).