Chong Wei survives late surge by Chunlai to land third GP Gold title
Top News 3:31 PM
Nothing seems to stop world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei when he gets going to win titles.
Yesterday, a late surge from Bao Chunlai of China failed to prevent Chong Wei from lifting the Malaysia Grand Prix Gold men’s singles title for a third time at a packed Sultan Abdul Halim Stadium here.
Chong Wei scored an astounding 21-9, 21-19 win to claim a fifth Open title in six final appearances over five months into the year.
The Sultan of Kedah Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah presenting the Malaysia Open Grand Prix Gold men’s singles title prize to Lee Chong Wei.
The 28-year-old Chong Wei was over the moon over his exploits.
“I used to be ridiculed as a player for holding the world No. 1 ranking without any major titles. Now, I keep on winning. It is a big achievement for me,” said Chong Wei, who won the India Open the previous Sunday.
“And I am not going to stop at this. I want to keep up with this momentum until after the Olympic Games in London next year.
Second best: (From left) Malaysia’s Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying posing with mixed doubles champions Tantowi Ahmad-Liliyana Natsir of Indonesia yesterday. Peng Soon-Liu Ying lost 21-18, 15-21, 19-21 in the final. — CHIN CHENG YEANG / The Star
“Usually, it is tough to maintain a high quality game – especially when it is a back-to-back event. But I am glad that I came through this match and defeated Bao to give the home fans the cheer.”
Yesterday, thousands of fans waited anxiously to catch Chong Wei in action against Chunlai and the Penangite made it all worthwhile when he came charging to take a 11-3 lead to the delight of the delirious fans. And he continued with his explosive approach to punish Chunlai with a flurry of stinging smashes to break away for a 21-9 win.
The breather gave time for the frustrated Chunlai to regroup and he came back with more fire in the second game.
Sheer joy: China’s Wang Xin celebrating after winning the women’s singles title.
While Chong Wei continued with his onslaught to break his resolve, Chunlai handled it all better this time with better defence and fast counter attacks and the Chinese looked good to force a rubber game when he led 19-17.
Chong Wei then dug deeper into his arsenal and found some brilliant winners to romp home.
“I started well but Bao really made it difficult for me in the second game. Although trailing, I did not want to give up. It was good that I was able to turn it around,” he said.
Chong Wei’s next assignment is the Sudirman Cup in Qingdao from May 22-29. And he vowed to play his role well as the first singles player in the mixed team championship.
“I will have a few days’ rest and I will be back to focus on preparations for the Sudirman Cup,” he said.
China still went back home happy from the GP Gold tournament in Alor Star when second seed Wang Xin turned the tables on top seed Saina Nehwal of India in the women’s singles final, winning 13-21, 21-8, 21-14.
Posted by Lucas Liau
on 3:31 PM.
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