Chong wei retains gp gold title

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Datuk Lee Chong Wei

JOHOR BAHARU: Badminton superstar Datuk Lee Chong Wei won the Malaysian Grand Prix Gold badminton championship title for the fourth consecutive year after he defeated Indonesia’s Sony Dwi Kuncoro in three sets – 17-21, 21-8, 21-10- in the final at the City Stadium here yesterday.

In the first set, the world number one who has yet to fully recover from  a shoulder injury, played a cautious game which gave room to Sony to take the set in 21-17.

However, in the second and third sets, Chong Wei turned more aggresive and his rhythm threw Sony off balance and cave in to the Malaysian in 50 minutes.

Chong Wei took home the champion’s prize money of US9,000 (RM30,000)  while Sony was richer by US4,560 (RM15,000).

The winners prizes were given away by Tunku Temenggong Johor Tunku Idris Sultan Ibrahim.

This year’s edition of the tournament also saw Malaysians dominating it, winning three other categories as well.

Men’s doubles defending champions Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong had little difficulty keeping the title.

They defeated their less experienced compatriots Chooi Kah Ming/ Ow Yao Han 21-15, 21-19.

However, in the women’s doubles final, Chin Eei Hui and Wong Pei Tty had a tougher time against Singapore’s Sari Shinta Mulia and Yao Lei before prevailing in 21-18, 21-18 in 45 minutes.

In the mixed doubles, although Chan Peng Soon had a wrist problem, he managed to partner Goh Liu Ying to victory. The pair beat Indonesia’s  Indonesia Irfan Fadhilah/Weni Anggraini in straight sets of 21-12, 21-14.

In the only final without Malaysians – the women’s singles, Thailand’s Busanan Ongbumrungpan clinched the title after defeating Takashi Sayaka of Japan 21-17, 22-20. — Bernama