Chong Wei rules Denmark Open
Chong Wei rules Denmark Open on his birthday
ODENSE: World No. 1 Lee Chong Wei almost suffered a cramp and showed nerves of steel to win the Denmark Open title but Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong failed to make it a double success for Malaysia here yesterday.
Chong Wei had to dig deep into his reserves to beat a determined 24-year-old Du Pengyu 15-21, 21-12, 21-19 in a top-class match.
It was Chong Wei’s second Denmark Open title after he won it seven years ago.
A tired Chong Wei was delighted to win the title on his 30th birthday and he was grateful to the strong support of the Danish fans.
“It was a very tough match and I feel very, very tired now,” said Chong Wei.
The Malaysian blamed himself for allowing Pengyu to dictate the pace of the match.
“I lacked speed and my smashes were off the mark, especially in the opening game,” he said.
“Unlike many other top players, I lacked rest after the London Olympic Games. I’ve been on my toes, competing in the China league and Japan Open.
“Despite all that, I’m glad that I managed to find the strength within me to nick the title on my birthday,” he said.
Kien Keat-Boon Heong squandered a great chance to win their first Super Series title in two years after an agonising 21-19, 11-21, 1921 defeat to South Korea’s new combination Shin Baek-cheol-Yoo Yeon-seong.
Their defeat also shattered Malaysia’s dream of repeating their 2005 double victory in the Denmark Open.
Boon Heong admitted he went for a wrong shot at 19-19 in the decider and regretted the move.
“The shuttle was high in the air and all I needed to do was slam it down hard but I went for a soft tap and it hit the net, lamented Boon Heong.
“I was just not aggressive enough when it mattered most. We could have won the title but we blew it.
Although Kien Keat was disappointed with missing out on his fourth Denmark Open title, he said they had performed above expectations.
“We entered the tournament without much preparation but it was good to make the final,” said Kien Keat.
I feel tired physically and mentally. We doubled our efforts in this tournament and it has taken a toll on us.”