CHONG WEI BEATS OLYMPIC CHAMP IN FINAL
Beats Olympic champ Chen Long in Hong Kong
IT was a timely boost for Lee Chong Wei who claimed his second Super Series title this season, when he came out tops in the Hong Kong Open yesterday. The 35-year-old, who has suffered a dip in form since the World Championships in August, downed China’s Olympic champion Chen Long 21-14, 2119 at the Hong Kong Coliseum. In doing so, Chong Wei defied his critics and showed that he is not over the hill.
Chong Wei pocketed US$30,000 (approximately RM123,000) while Chen Long settled for US$15,200.
Chong Wei, whose first title this season was the All England in March, said: “I just enjoyed myself against Chen Long, because I managed an easy win in the first game.
“I knew Chen Long was going to come back stronger, and when he took a 15-10 lead, I was already prepared to go to the deciding game.
“It’s great to win in Hong Kong, the fans are great and it almost feels like I’m playing at homel,” said Chong Wei, who has now won 46 Super Series title.
Yesterday’s victory (Chong Wei’s fifth Hong Kong Open title) is seen as a much needed win for the three-time Olympic silver medallist, who could play a key role for the national squad ahead of the Commonwealth Games, Thomas Cup and Asian Games next year.
Chong Wei had indicated earlier that he would play on for another two years.
His next assignment will be the World Super Series Finals in Dubai on Dec 1317.
“I would like to tell the fans in Hong Kong that I would be seeing them again next year. Also this is my second title this season, hopefully I get to maintain this form and do well in Dubai next month.”
Since his first round exit at the World Championships in Glasgow, Chong Wei has only reached one final (Japan Open) prior to the Hong Kong Open.
FINAL RESULTS — Men’s singles:
Lee Chong Wei bt Chen Long (Chn) 21-14, 21-19; Doubles: Gideon Marcus FernaldiKevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo (Ina) bt Mads Conrad Petersen-Mads Pieler Kolding (Den) 21-12, 21-18; Women’s singles: Tai Tzu Ying (Tai) bt P.V. Sindhu (Ind) 21-18, 21-18; Doubles: Chen Qingchen-Jia Yifan (Chn) bt Greysia Polii-Apriyani Rahayu (Ina) 14-21, 21-16, 21-15; Mixed doubles: Zheng Siwei-Huang Yaqiong (Chn) bt Mathiad Christiansen-Christinna Pedersen (Den) 21-15, 2113.