Datuk Lee Chong Wei

BIRMINGHAM: World number one Datuk Lee Chong Wei, who deferred retirement after the Olympics to make a few last attempts on the major titles, found himself denied in Sunday’s final of the All-England Open.

Chong Wei also found himself with an impressive new rival, Chen Long, a 24-year-old from Shashi, who fought off brave fight-backs by the favourite in each game to triumph 21-17, 21-18.

Last year Chong Wei lost the title to Lin Dan. Now the Chinese legend may have a good successor, on the evidence of Chen’s marvellous containment and rallying ability, and increasing patience and judgement on when to make pouncing attacks.

Chen also carried himself like a champion. He never panicked when the match got tight, and handled the pressure like a player who may go on to win many more big titles.

“This is very important – a top, world class tournament, and winning it has given me a lot of experience,” he said. “I am very excited about that.”

It suggests that Lin may not need to come out of semi-retirement and make an attempt to defend the world title in Guangzhou in August for China to win it again.

For Chong Wei this was a disappointment. The 30-year-old started both games slowly. He was 0-7 down before he got going, and 1-6 down in the second game, and both deficits proved a little too much to make up. He moved beautifully as usual, but could not force his attacks through Chen’s brilliant defence when he tried to ambush the second seed, and did not have quite enough energy in the tank to apply pressure with a few extra-fast rallies. — AFP=

Permai Badminton Hall president Ariffin Arbi has disclosed details of the tournament.

There will be two categories – Men Open and Men Veteran Open.

Each team will comprise one manager, four male players and also four veteran players.

Age limit for the veteran is 90 years, combining the age of both players, with the minimum age of 40 years.

The champion and runner up will collect cash prizes of RM1,000 and RM500 respectively.

They will also receive a challenge trophy each.

The third place, prize money valued at RM 250, will go to the two teams who lose in the semi finals.

A registration fee of RM250 per team has to be submitted together with the entry form.

Interested parties can contact Arbi at 0168690524 or Mohamad Mohd Yazid Hepni at 0126117067.

The 2012 London silver medallist however was given a tough fight by Thailand’s young shuttler, Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk before registering a 22-20 and 21-8 win in the semi-final.

Awaiting the 31-year-old Penangite in the final was either second seed, Chen Long of China or Jan O Jorgensen of Denmark, who will square-off in the other semi-final match yesterday.

This will be Chong Wei’s fifth consecutive final since 2009. He won the title in 2010 and 2011.

In 2010, he defeated Japanese top men’s singles, Kenichi Tago 21-19 and 21-19 before defending the title a year later by defeating his arch nemesis, Lin Dan of China in 21-17 and 21-17.

Chong Wei’s attempt to lifted the title for the third time in 2012 was dashed after he pulled out in the final against Lin Dan due to a back injury thus handing the left-handed opponent his fifth All-England title. — Bernama

Malaysians bank their hopes on world’s number one Datuk Lee Chong Wei who lifted the coveted title twice – in 2010 and 2011.

However, he failed to defend the title last year due to back injury, having lost archrival Lin Dan of China, who won the honour in 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2009.

The absence of Lin Dan in the tournament this time, however, will not guarantee an easy passage for Chong Wei for he is expected to face a stiff challenge from eighth seed Nguyen Tien Minh of Vietnam in the quarter-finals and third seed Du Pengyu of China in the semi-finals if both players live up to the expectations.

The other singles shuttlers such as Liew Daren, Mohd Arif Abdul Latif, Misbun Ramdan Misbun and Chong Wei Feng might face an uphill battle to go beyond the first round based on their inconsistent performance and unfavourable in the tournament.

Liew, the winner of the French Open 2012, for example, will face a daunting task for he is slotted to meet world’s number five Chen Jin of China, who happened to be the All-England champion in 2008, as early as the first round.

In the men’s doubles category, not much hope can be given to Malaysia’s number one Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong who exhibited a seesaw performance last year and boasted only the Malaysia Open Grand Prix gold on the home turf.

Potential successors to national doubles, Goh V Shem-Lim Khim Wah have been showing tremendous improvement, especially in the two tournaments earlier this year, namely the Korean Open and Malaysian Open.

They reached the quarterfinals in the Korean Open and the semi-finals in the Malaysian Open, thus their presence in Birmingham are much-awaited.

On the other hand, Malaysian women’s shuttlers have not been able to make their present felt at the All-England since the women’s category was introduced in 1900.

Likewise, Malaysia’s number one mixed doubles pair Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying, who won the Japan Open and the Malaysia Open Grand Prix Gold last year, and became runners-up in the Malaysian Open 2013, are not given much hope to make an impact due to the presence of heavyweights in the tournament.

Badminton Association of Malaysia general manager Kenny Goh said Chong Wei was targeted to clinch three titles this year, namely All-England, the Sudirman Cup (world mixed team championship) in Kuala Lumpur in May, and the World Badminton Championship in Guangzhou, China in August.

“What is more important to us is that Chong Wei is able to maintain his world’s number one ranking to ease his way to the World Championship while other players should strive to achieve their Key Performance Indicators (KPI),” he added.

For the record, Malaysia’s best performance in the national men’s singles was registered by the late Datuk Eddy Choong who won the title four times – in 1953, 1954, 1956 and 1957.

The International Badminton Federation-sanctioned All England, which was introduced in 1898 and categorised as a Premier Super Series, offers total prize money of USD$400,000 (RM1.242 million). — Bernama

They also bagged eight runner-up spots and seven third placings to finish as the best team in the 22-team competition held to select players for the Sabah-Sarawak Zone of the National Junior Circuit Badminton Championship.

Alfred Lau led the SBA charge when he beat his older twin brother Adam in the Boys U-18 singles final.

Alfred, who was seeded joint 3/4, was leading top seed Adam 21-16 when the latter retired to concede the title.

The two brothers then teamed up to clinch the Boys U-18 doubles title when the top pair beat second seeded Eric Ngu and James Liaw from Miri 21-13, 21-9 in the final.

Kourtney Kho and Vivienne Kua added the Girls U-16 doubles crown to SBA’s collection after they accumulated three points by beating three other pairs in a round-robin league.

Their juniors Flora Fong and Kashley Kho had to overcome stiff resistance from Miri Badminton Centre’s Erika Vallensia and Ho Sing Yen before winning 9-21, 21-16 and 21-18 in the Girls U-12 doubles final.

The boys also delivered in the U-12 doubles, with Barrie Kong and Niz Azizi Murat beating Darren Yuan (MBC) and Eugene Lee (LWS) in straight sets 21-16, 21-11 in the final.

Meanwhile, Zuelaika Idris triumphed 21-9, 21-18 over teammate Kristy Tay in the Girls U-14 singles final.

The other SBA champions were Flora Fong who beat Wong Ling Ching of MR 21-2, 21-7 in the Girls U-12 singles final and Nik Azizi Murat who was stretched by teammate Barrie Chong 19-21, 21-14, 21-13 in the Boys U-12 singles final.

Another badminton force in Kuching, the Pacific Badminton Management, also impressed by winning two titles, one runner-up and four third placings while MBC went home with two titles and three third placings. Liew Wah San Training Centre and Miri (MR) had one title each.

SBA treasurer Soh Theng Chai officiated at the closing of the event and gave away the prizes to the winners.

The three-day event saw a record number of 289 players taking part in the competition organised by SBA.

HARD FOUGHT VICTORY: Gerald Ong celebrates after scoring an upset win over Eric Ng in the Boys U-18 singles competition yesterday.

Playing at the Sarawak Badminton Association (SBA) Hall, the unseeded Gerald went down 21-17 in the first set.

But his never-say-die spirit saw Gerald clawing back to win the second set 22-20 to force a rubber set in which he fought point for point to triumph 21-18.

He, however, faced an uphill task to topple tournament top seed Adam Lau of SBA in the last eight scheduled later yesterday.

Adam, who played for Sarawak in the last Sukma, had no problem disposing off unseeded Tien Jing Sheng of PBM in straight sets of 21-8, 21-7.

Joining Adam and Gerald in the quarterfinals are Adam’s twin brother and joint 3/4th seed Alfred Lau of SBA, joint 5/8th seed Clement Chieng of PBM and unseeded Kueh Jian Terng.

In the Boys U-16 singles, joint 3/4th seed Wilson Lau of Miri crashed out of the third round when he lost 23-25, 16-21 to Zakri Idris of SBA while another joint 3/4th seed Donaven Sujang Majang of Miri sailed safely through to the last eight with a 21-17, 21-9 win over Jonathan Jong of SBA.

Top seed Kam Sing Siong from Liew Wah San (LWS) Training Centre thumped Thian Nyuk Ming of Chong Cheong Yong Training Centre 21-5, 21-10 and second seed Jonathan Kho of PBM beat Geoffrey Chio of Miri Badminton Centre 21-14, 21-6 to make the quarterfinals.

The Girls U-16 singles contest saw four SBA players in the quarterfinals.

Vivienne Kua, the top seed, and teammate Grace Voon, seeded second, both received a bye in the first round.

Stella Thien defeated Ling En You of Miri 21-13, 21-12 while Kourtney Kho emerged a 21-6, 21-11 winner over Nicole Nikola Johannes of LWS.

Other quarterfinalists are Janice Bong from LWS who will meet Vivienne Kua, Wong Thai Ling of PBM who will take on Grace Voon, Florence Tiong of MBC and Yong Ping Ping of Miri.

Meanwhile, the top four seeds in the Boys U-16 doubles have advanced to the quarterfinals.

They are top seeded Jonathan Kho-Kam Sing Siong who defeated Liew Xuan Hua-Nazri Tok 21-10, 21-5, second ranked Darren Law-Donaven Sujang Majang who beat Calvin Yong-Jason Yeo 21-5, 21-4 while joint 3/4th seeds Aaron Chieng-Wilson Lau beat Alan Tan-Nelson Ng 21-4, 21-10 and Aaron Goh-Ong Yen Chang defeated Benjamin Then-Thian Nyuk Ming 21-15, 21-17.

A record 289 shuttlers from 22 teams are taking part in the tournament that will end today.

They are vying for places in the state squad for the Sabah-Sarawak Zone competition of the National Junior Circuit.

The participating teams are SRC, Karizma, WestMotor, PGAA and PDRM A in Group A and Sibujaya, Putar Belit, GOF 10, SSBSPN and PDRMB in Group B. The event was organized by DUN N49 Nangka Secretariat Culture, Sports and Unity for the second year running.

Chairman of the secretariat Jimmy De Rozario said the aim was to foster closer rapport and goodwill among members of the public in both the Nangka and Lanang constituency.

Besides badminton, Jimmy said they are also organising a host of other sports activities aimed to provide a platform for the people to keep healthy.

“We have already organized the bowling championship. In the offing are sepak takraw, volleyball, basketball, football and field football,” he said.

For badminton, the champion will get RM500, runner-up RMN300 and RM200 for the joint third and fourth finishers.

The tournament is scheduled to end at 4pm today (Sunday).

The competition is aimed at selecting players for the Sabah-Sarawak Zone challenge of the National Junior Circuit which will be held at the Sarawak Badminton Hall at Jalan Lapangan Terbang here from Mar 1-3.

A total of 16 categories will be contested and they are Boys’ Under-18, 16, 14 and 12 singles and doubles as well as Girls’ U-18, 16, 14, 12 singles with doubles for Girls U-16 and 14.

Fielding the biggest number of players is Sarawak Badminton Association with 46 shuttlers, followed by Pacific Badminton Management (26), Miri Badminton Association (25), Kuching Badminton Association (24), Miri Badminton Centre (23), Chong Cheong Yong Training Centre (23), Pro Wira Sibu (22) and Bernard Phoa Training Centre (20).

Other teams include Baram Badminton Association, Bintulu Badminton Association, Persatuan Badminton Bumiputera Sarawak, Bintangor, Kuching, Liew Wah San Training Centre, Sarawak Foundation Badminton Academy, Vision Badminton Club, Vong Xiang Wei Training Centre, Thumb’s Up Training Centre, Kueh Siak Hock Training Centre, Persatuan Badminton Samarahan and PDRM.

The tournament kicks off on Friday (Mar 1) with singles matches for Boys U-12, 14, 16 and 18 in the morning session while the afternoon session will see Girls U-14 singles and Boys U-12 and U-14 doubles being played.

NSSCUS chairman Jimmy De Rozario @ Abdul Rahman said the entry fee was RM150 per team and each team should comprise eight players.

In addition to trophies and medals, the champion will get RM500, the runner-up RM300 and the joint third RM200 each.

Jimmy said the competition was to encourage youths in Sibu in general and Nangka in particular to take up sports as part of a healthy lifestyle.

“We also want to foster goodwill and togetherness through such an event,” he added.

The closing date is Feb 28.

Interested parties can contact any of the following for details: Roslan Hashim (013-5617177), Khussuady Penyarang (012-8588848) and TN Sports.

The Malaysian said he would rather focus on his game with the intention of winning the title than worry about who is or isn’t playing but is well aware of the dangers Chinese players like Chen Jin and Chen Long can pose.

Even players from South Korea and Indonesia will be no pushovers as the Malaysian ace sets out for his third All England title.

“I will take one match at a time and not rush into making any predictions,” he said when met at his company Chong Wei Binajaya Sdn Bhd Chinese New Year celebrations, here yesterday. — Bernama

With Lin’s withdrawal, Chong way is expected to have an easy path at the All England, to be held from March 5-10. — Bernama

In the men’s final, Latif Nawi and Razri Amit outplayed Neilson Judie and Hadeni Eddie, while Idris Bojeng and Lian Epoi came in third after beating Douglas Wan Anyie and Sapini Rahman.

In the mixed doubles category, Abdul Latif and Yong Mee Lang came out tops after defeating Idris Boejng and Elizabeth Molly, while Suki Paing and Rossellini Geruna were third.

Consolation prizes went to Mohd Zen Eddie and Norhan Daud as well as Abdul Rahman Sulai and Lily Aida Taiwan.

Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau Jok, who officiated at the prize-giving ceremony, said such competitions would help improve ties between staff of all levels.

“Besides enjoying time together, such games also stop staff from thinking about rank in the office, develop greater understanding and foster closer relationships. Although we are in the same office under one roof, but our relationships may not be that close,” he said.

Dennis added that sports could also help to relieve stress and improve health.

He also called on the Sokanjaya committee to invite other government departments and agencies to participate in the tournament next year.

Meanwhile, he said JKR staff must focus on implementing projects such as village roads.

“That is why the officers from the said department have to travel to every corner of the district to monitor all the plans. JKR has continuously been a body that is responsible for very big jobs and this is very meaningful.”

Dennis also announced a minor rural project (MRP) grant of RM5,000 for Sokanjaya to conduct its activities.

Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek

KUALA LUMPUR: The death of badminton legend Datuk Eddy Choong Ewe Beng is a big loss to badminton, sports and the country said Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek.

Shabery said Eddy Choong’s contributions to the development of badminton in the country and his achievements cannot be paralleled or replaced.

“I was informed that throughout his playing career, he had not created any problems. He was also not stingy in sharing his knowledge, experience or secrets with others.

“With his success throughout his career, he can be regarded as a catalyst to the success of badminton in the country and his demise will be a big loss to sports and the country,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Eddy Choong, 83, died of heart complications at the Loh Guan Lye Specialist Centre in Penang, on Monday.

Ahmad Shabery who offered his deepest condolence to Eddy Choong’s wife Datin Maggie Thean Sun Lim and his family said Eddy Choong’s desire and love for the country inspired him to win although there were minimal facilities at his disposal during that time.

Eddy Choong won the men’s singles at the All England Open Badminton Championships four times between 1953 and 1957 when it was considered the unofficial world championship.

He also reached the All-England singles final in 1952 and 1955 and won the men’s doubles with his brother, the late David Choong in 1951, 1952, and 1953.

He was a member of the 1955 Malayan Thomas Cup team which retained the world team championship. — Bernama

OVERWHELMING RESPONSE: Winners of the Kapit Open Badminton Men’s Doubles Championship.

KAPIT: State player Wong Kong Wuo and partner Johnson Ting from Sibu won the doubles title at the Kapit Open Badminton Championship 2013.

The pair beat the combination of state player Yusri Azmi and Ayub Ibrahim from Kapit 21-15, 21-14 in the final played at the Indoor Stadium of the Integrated Sports Complex, Jalan Bleteh on Sunday.

The three-day tournament held from 25-27 January was jointly organised by Persatuan Melanau Sarawak, Kapit Branch and My Sports.

Another Sibu pair of Kong Fei Long and Melvin Sim easily trounced Osman Arbi and Geraldson of Kapit 21-15, 21-7 to secure third place.

The champions won the cash prize of RM300, runner up RM200, the pair in third place RM100 and fourth place RM50. Medals and Kawasaki rackets were also given out.

According to the organising chairman Yunus Mohd Alwe, the competition met an encouraging response from both Kapit and other towns.

A higher than expected 45 doubles pairs took part. Yunus added that the five double teams from Sibu which included two state players made the matches more interesting and competitive.

Following the success of the competition Yunus revealed that My Sports is proposing to organise the Kapit Closed Inter-Team Badminton Tournament in August.

To coincide with the competition, sponsor Kawasaki Sports will be displaying an array of sports gear and equipments including badminton rackets, bags, t-shirts, shorts and stockings.

Free stringing service for those who purchase badminton rackets will also be offered.

The categories to be competed are Boys’ and Girls’ Under 12, 14 and 18 singles and doubles.

This annual SBA event is aimed at selecting players to represent Sarawak at the National Circuit Sabah/Sarawak Zone in Sabah from Apr 10-12.

Entry fees are RM5 for the singles and RM10 for the doubles. Closing date is on Feb 19.

The meeting for team managers and draw will be held on Feb 28 at 7:30pm.

Registration for the event can be made through divisional affiliates of SBA, clubs and training centres.

For further information, call SBA office at 082-579598.

ONE FOR THE ALBUM: Dennis Ngau (standing third left) posing for a group photo with the players both from PBB Telang Usan Youth and Serap-Serup Social Club before the start of their friendly badminton match held at Miri Champion Badminton Court recently.

MIRI: Members of the communities should have more friendly games aimed to promote cordial relations among the people as well as to enhance their friendship and cooperation.

State assemblyman for Telang Usan, Dennis Ngau pointed out that organising sports and games can provide good avenues for people from all walks of life to interact with one another and foster better understanding.

He was speaking at the opening ceremony of the the Friendly Badminton Match between PBB Telang Usan’s youth and Serap-Serup Social Club held at Miri Champion Badminton Court yesterday.

According to him, having good friendship with others would enrich the people’s lives and will also improve the relationship of every community members coming from different background.

On the importance of co-operation between members of the community, the state assemblyman said it is vital because people can get things done better with the help from others especially if they are family members or friends.

He also said the people must have the initiative to organise events and activities aimed to foster better understanding among themselves to maintain peace and harmony in the society.

HE’S THE ONE: Datuk Lee Chong Wei celebrates with his trophy and his gold medal during the awards ceremony after defeating Indonesia’s Sony Dwi Kuncoro in the men’s single final in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. — AFP photo

KUALA LUMPUR: World number one men’s singles shuttler Datuk Lee Chong Wei has carved his name as the most successful player in the country after he clinched his ninth Malaysian Open title in style at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil, here, yesterday.

In the final match, the 30-year-old shuttler who is the top seed and defending champion, easily disposed of a challenge from eighth seed, Sony Dwi Kuncoro of Indonesia with a 21-7 and 21-8 win in just 32 minutes.

The Penangite had prior to this, won the Malaysian Open title eight times, in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

The win saw Datuk Lee Chong Wei break the current winning record held by Wong Peng Soon who won the men’s singles category of the same tournament eight times – in 1940, 1941, 1947, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952 and 1953. — Bernama

DATUK LEE CHONG WEI –Bernama photo

KUALA LUMPUR: World number one men’s singles shuttler Datuk Lee Chong Wei has carved his name as the most successful player in the country after he clinched his ninth Malaysian Open title in style at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil, here, Sunday.

In the final match, the 30-year-old shuttler who is the top seed and defending champion, easily disposed of a challenge from eighth seed, Sony Dwi Kuncoro of Indonesia with a 21-7 and 21-8 win in just 32 minutes.

The Penangite had prior to this, won the Malaysian Open title eight times, in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

The win saw Chong Wei break the current winning record held by Wong Peng Soon who won the men’s singles category of the same tournament eight times – in 1940, 1941, 1947, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952 and 1953.

Earlier, the 6,000-strong crowd at the stadium was frustrated after the nation’s top mixed doubles pair, Chan Peng Soon and Goh Liu Ying, lost 13-21 and 18-21 against second seed, Joachim Fischer Nielsen and Christinna Pedersen of Denmark.

In the men’s doubles, unseeded Mohammad Ahsan and Hendra Setiawan of Indonesia pulled up an upset against sixth seed, Ko Sung Hyun and Lee Yong Dae of South Korea with a 21-15 and 21-13 win.

Chinese Taipei teen sensation, Tai Tzu Ying, continued her impressive performance as she bagged the women’s singles title after defeating Yao Xue of China, 21-17 and 21-14.

Fifth seed, Bao Yixin and Tian Qian of China also pulled up an upset after they stunned second seed, Misaki Matsutomo and Ayaka Takahashi of Japan, 21-16 and 21-14 in the women’s doubles category.

All the winners in the doubles category pocketed US$31,600 (RM95,211) each, singles category US$30,000 (RM90,390) while the runners-up in all categories received US$15,200 (RM45,797).

Maybank Group president and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Abdul Wahid Omar presented the trophies and cheques to the winners.

Also present at the finals of the tournament were Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Datuk Seri Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh, National Sports Council director-general Datuk Seri Zolkples Embong and Badminton World Federation (BWF) deputy president Paisan Rangsikitpho. – Bernama

The 30-year old Penangite and defending champion however was given a tough fight by young Danish shuttler, Jan O Jorgensen before registering a 21-13, 17-21 and 21-12 victory in an exciting semi-final match before almost 4,000 local supporters at the venue yesterday.

Chong Wei will square off against Sony Dwi Kuncoro of Indonesia in the final after the eight seed pulled off an upset against second seed, Kenichi Tago of Japan in 21-12, 19-21 and 23-21 in another gruelling semi-final match which lasted in 72 minute.

National top mixed doubles pair, Chan Peng Soon and Goh Liu Ying also ended their jinx to enter their first Malaysian Open final when they outplayed fourth seeds Robert Mateusiak/Nadiezda Zieba of Poland to secure a 12-21, 21-18 and 21-16 victory in an hour-long match.

Chan and Goh, the top seeds, are expected to get a stiff fight from Danish pair Joachim Fischer Nielsen and Christinna Pedersen in the final.

The second seeded Danes easily crushed Praveen Jordan/Vita Marissa of Indonesia in 21-14 and 21-17.

The local supporters’ hopes to see other Malaysian players in final action today were dashed after national men’s doubles pair, Goh V Shem and Lim Khim Wah lost to Ko Sung Hyun and Lee Yong Dae of South Korea in 11-21 and 15-21 in just 34 minutes in the semi-final.

The South Korean pair will meet Indonesia’s fifth seeded Mohammad Ahsan and Hendra Setiawan in the final after the pair defeated Chai Biao/Liu Xiaolong of China 21-12 and 21-11 in the other semi-final match.

The finals start at 2pm today. — Bernama

I’M STILL NO. 1: Datuk Lee Chong Wei plays a shot during his men’s singles badminton match against Pengyu Du of China during the finals in Seoul. — AFP photo

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Lee Chong Wei stamped his mark as the number one shuttler in the world by successfully defending his Korea Open title at the Olympic Gymnasium 2 in Seoul, yesterday.

The top seed and 2012 London Olympics silver medallist only needed 42 minutes to dispatch fourth seed, Du Pengyu of China 21-12, 21-15 in the men’s singles final for his third Korea Open title.

Last year, Chong Wei defeated his nemesis, Lin Dan of China to clinch his second Korea Open title in rubber sets, 12-21, 21-18 21-14 while his first title came in 2010 after defeating Danish master Pete Gade Christensen.

Meanwhile, China and host nation were equally strong as both countries clinched two titles each.

Women’s World number five pair, Yu Yang/Wang Xiaoli of China defeated their compatriot, Ma Jin/Tang Jinhua, 21-17, 21-13 in an all-Chinese women’s doubles final.

The Asian badminton powerhouse claimed their second title through Zhang Nan/Zhao Yunlei who defeated compatriots, Xu Chen/Ma Jin, 13-21, 21-16, 21-13 in the mixed doubles final.

Unseeded Sung Ji Hyun of South Korea pulled off an upset against fourth seed, Wang Shixian of China with a 21-12, 22-20 win in the women’s singles category.

Sixth seed, Ko Sung Hyun/Lee Yong Dae of South Korea also emerged victorious by upsetting Men’s world number one pair Mathias Boe/Cartsen Mogensen of Denmark 19-21, 21-13, 21-10 win in an hour-long match.

All winners in the doubles category pocketed USD79,000 (RM238,619) each, singles category USD75,000 (RM 226,537) while the runners-up in all categories received USD38,000 (RM114,779). — Bernama

The 30-year-old, who is also the top seed, spent 34 minutes to despatch Hong Kong’s young shuttler, Wing Ki Wong 21-11 and 21-18.

Chong Wei has set a date with Du Pengyu of China in the finals after the fourth seed defeated Indonesia’ Sony Dwi Kuncoro, 21-12 21-17 in another semi-final match.

Earlier, national top men’s doubles pair, Koo Kien Kiat and Tan Boon Heong, failed in their bid to march into the first final this year when they lost to South Korean pair, Lee Yong Dae and Ko Sung Hyun, 17-21 and 11-21.

The host’s pair, however, have an uphill task as they are scheduled to play world number one pair, Mathias Boe/Carsten Mogensen of Denmark in the final.

The Danish pair, who are also top seed, booked their place in the final after defeating China’s young pair, Hong Wei and Shen Ye 19-21, 21-10 and 21-18 in the match which lasted more than an hour. — Bernama