UNBELIEVABLE: Chong Wei after his win |
PETALING JAYA: If a book is to be written on the 101st edition of the All-England Championships that ended yesterday, it will serve as a guide for the national shuttlers on how to clinch the nation’s first gold medal at the Olympics next year.
World No 1 Lee Chong Wei stunned tournament favourite Lin Dan 21-17, 21-17 to defend his men’s singles title.
Chong Wei described the win redeemed his pride.
“It feels great to defend the title... more so defeating Lin Dan in a major event,” said an elated Chong Wei.
“It’s a great redemption for me and for the nation.”
It was a bitter-sweet victory after Chong Wei lost to the China ace in the Korea Open final two months ago.
Chong Wei, though, started the year on a commanding note by winning the SuperSeries Final and the Malaysia Open in January.
Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong could have made it a memorable night but lost 15-21, 21-18, 21-18 to Danish duo Mathias Boe-Carsten Mogensen.
This was Kien Keat and Boon Heong’s second appearance in the final since winning in 2007.
There are those who will be apprehensive about Chong Wei and company’s ability to clinch gold at the Summer Games. However, consistency from now on may erase the doubts.
After all, Chong Wei intends to retire after the Olympics. And what better way than to go out with a bang.
The performances at the All-England is a step in the right direction for Chong Wei, Kien Keat and Boon Heong.
RESULTS
Finals
Men’s singles
Lee Chong Wei (MAS) bt Lin Dan (CHN) 21-17, 21-17
Men’s doubles
Mathias Boe-Carsten Mogensen (DEN) bt Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong (MAS) 15-21, 21-18, 21-18
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