Chen Long ousts Jorgensen as Marin makes history
World No. 1 and top seed Chen Long lived up to his billing as he came from behind to beat second seed Jan O Jorgensen of Denmark in the All-England singles final.
The Chinese star, whose confidence was tremendously boosted after having eliminated his compatriot Lin Dan in the semifinals, won 15-21, 21-17, 21-15 yesterday.
Jorgensen, who tamed Sho Sasaki of Japan 21-11, 21-12 in the other semi-finals, was in firm control of the first game with his quick attacks and solid defence. But he appeared to run out of steam as the match progressed.
It was Chen Long’s second All-England victory, having beaten Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia 21-17, 21-18 in the 2013 final.
Carolina Marin, the 21-year-old Andalucian who created one of the biggest sensations in badminton history last year, created another by becoming the first Spaniard ever to win an All-England title.
Marin did that with a 16-21, 21-14, 21-7 women’s singles win over Saina Nehwal, the world number three from India.
And it was a remarkable result for someone from a country where until now little badminton has been played, and one which follows her startling capture of the world title in Copenhagen last year.
What made it all the more stunning was that Marin had never beaten Nehwal before and that she did so this time, having looked headed for defeat at a game and 6-10 down.
Denmark got some consolation when they took the men’s doubles title after Mathias Boe-Carsten Mogensen edged Fu HaifengZhang Nan of China 21-17, 22-20.
Cshina, in all, captured three titles as they also won the women’s doubles and mixed doubles finals. — AFP