MACAU OPEN 2011 Finals – Korea and China (with)draw level

Both powerhouses can be quite pleased with the performances of their shuttlers in nearby Macau. While China took the first two titles of the day, Korean ran away with the remaining two crowns as the mixed doubles titles was already given to Tontowi Ahmad and Lilyana Natsir. The Indonesian pair were handed their fifth trophy of the year after the withdrawal of opponent Chen Hung Ling due to injury.

By Elm Vandevorst, Badzine Correspondent.   Photos: Badmintonphoto (archives)

China’s Wang Shixian had few problems overpowering her compatriot Han Li and lived up to her status as number one seed. The latter hadn’t lost a game so far throughout the tournament, but rapidly fell a game behind 21-14. Leading 11-5 in the second, Wang lost few time and settled the score at 21-14 again. Her victory in Macau means she could enjoy her fifth title of the year.

Wang’s victory was in great contrast to Lee Hyun Il (pictured top left) who won his first top prize since his retirement 20 months ago. And just his first title since the German Open in 2008. It was the first meeting ever for the Korean veteran and his opponent Du Pengyu. The 23-year-old Chinese shuttler was in control at the net in the opener and was able to find an answer to the ferocious start of the more experienced Hyun Il, claiming the first game 21-17. Where Du Pengyu was capable of returning the Korean smashes in game one, Hyun Il demolished the Chinese resistance in both the second and third games 21-11, 21-18.

In the second encounter between Korea and China, Yoo Yeon Seong and Ko Sung Hyun weren’t able to settle the score today up against Chai Biao and Guo Zhendong (pictured right). The Chinese twosome won their last duel in January at the Malaysian Open – the last time they won a title – and history repeated itself in both ways today in Macau. Within the hour, but after two close games, Chai/Guo prevailed 21-19, 21-19.

Big disappointment in the all-Korean women’s doubles, where Eom Hye Won / Jang Ye Na pulled out the match, due to injury, after just five minutes and 4-8 down.  It was great news, however, for Kim Ha Na (pictured left with partner Jung Kyung Eun) who was successful for the first time on an international level. Her team-mate Jung had already tasted victory several times before alongside Yoo Hyun Young, the last occasion being a win against Kim and Eom, incidentally, just over a year ago at the Korea Grand Prix.  Now Jung Kyung Eun returns home to defend her title with her new partner, once again against mostly Korean opposition.

The mixed doubles was already removed from the schedule due to injury of one of the participating players. Yesterday evening Chen Hung Ling and Cheng Wen Hsing decided to throw in the towel. Their obligatory decision means a fifth title for the Indonesians, their latest one their gold medal at the SEA Games last month.

Final results:
WS: Wang Shixian (CHN) [1] bt Han Li 21-14, 21-14
MD: Chai Biao / Guo Zhendong (CHN) [3] bt Ko Sung Hyun / Yoo Yeon Seong (KOR) [1] 21-19, 21-19
WD: Jung Kyung Eun / Kim Ha Na (KOR) [8] bt Eom Hye Won / Jang Ye Na (KOR) 8-4, Retired
MS: Lee Hyun Il (KOR) [6] bt Du Pengyu (CHN) [4] 17-21, 21-11, 21-18
XD (not played): Tontowi Ahmad / Lilyana Natsir (INA) [1] bt Chen Hung Ling / Cheng Wen Hsing (TPE) [2] [wdn]

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