SS FINALS 2010 Day 3 – Youngsters down top seeds

China’s Chai/Zhang sent #1 seeds Ko/Yoo packing in three thrilling games at the Super Series Finals.

By Don Hearn, Badzine Correspondent live in Taipei.  Photos: Badmintonphoto (live)

China’s Zhang Nan / Chai Biao, who spent much of 2010 emerging from the shadow of two more experienced Chinese pairs, proved today beyond a shadow of a doubt that they have arrived among the best of the best in the world’s men’s doubles badminton.  The young Chinese pair followed up their upset of two-time finalists Koo/Tan with another, this time beating top-seeded Koreans Ko Sung Hyun / Yoo Yeon Seong (pictured below) to book their spot in the semi-finals.

The Koreans led throughout most of each game but in the first and third, they were unable to build up any cushion.  In the third, Ko Sung Hyun was having trouble controlling the shuttle but the Koreans can be forgiven for their desperation as so many of their net offensives were handled expertly by the Chinese defense.  The Koreans had an island of support in the crowd from some boisterous Korean association officials who began calling out “Just 6 more!” and on down to “Just 4 more!” each time Ko/Yoo scored late in the match.

However, it was the Chinese who completed the countdown as they caught up at 17-all, then finished the match off 21-19, 15-21, 21-18.

“Both of our victories were very difficult and playing all of them to three games has been very tough,” said Chai Biao after the match.

“This year has been very tough in terms of training,” added Zhang Nan when asked about the pair’s meteoric rise through the ranks in 2010, “and it is difficult because we are still young.  We will do our best in the next two years stay among the top two Chinese pairs to qualify for the Olympics.”

Asked about his preference for a semi-final opponent, Chai said “We would like to play both Korea and Denmark,” implying both the young pair’s intention to reach the final and also a hope that they will be spared another contest against their mighty compatriots Cai/Fu.

For complete results from Day 3 of the BWF Super Series Finals, CLICK HERE

Come stay with us for the Super Series Finals at the Chateau de Chine.  Located at the heart of Sinjhuang City, Chateau de Chine Hotel is created to convey the vibrant and everlasting sense of traditional beauty. Inspired by the Art Nouveau style, Chateau de Chine hotel infuses the finest elegance of French design with an authentic touch of oriental aesthetics.   If you are looking for quality accommodation during the event or anytime you are visiting Taipei, check out their website here.