Chen denies Lee as Baun wins
Source: AFP |
March 12, 2013, Tuesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
WORLD No. 1 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 in Birmingham.
Lee also found himself with an impressive new rival, Chen Long, a 24-year-old from China, who fought off brave fightbacks by the favorite in each game to triumph 21-17, 21-18.
Last year Lee 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 judgment on when to make pouncing attacks.
"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 Lee 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.
"This was my best," said Lee, "I was frustrated that there were certain shots which appeared impossible (to return) but Chen Long got to them when I thought I had deserved the point. He played very well."
Earlier, Tine Baun became the oldest All-England women's singles winner of the open era when she beat the youngest singles finalist, Ratchanok Intanon, in an uniquely emotional final.
The 33-year-old's 21-14, 16-21, 21-10 win over the 18-year-old Thai brought to an end the career of one of the outstanding players of the past ten years, and the only one to threaten Chinese dominance.
The Dane decided to compete this year as a "last adventure" but instead, as seventh seed, surprised herself by winning the All-England title back and taking it a third time.
Lee also found himself with an impressive new rival, Chen Long, a 24-year-old from China, who fought off brave fightbacks by the favorite in each game to triumph 21-17, 21-18.
Last year Lee 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 judgment on when to make pouncing attacks.
"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 Lee 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.
"This was my best," said Lee, "I was frustrated that there were certain shots which appeared impossible (to return) but Chen Long got to them when I thought I had deserved the point. He played very well."
Earlier, Tine Baun became the oldest All-England women's singles winner of the open era when she beat the youngest singles finalist, Ratchanok Intanon, in an uniquely emotional final.
The 33-year-old's 21-14, 16-21, 21-10 win over the 18-year-old Thai brought to an end the career of one of the outstanding players of the past ten years, and the only one to threaten Chinese dominance.
The Dane decided to compete this year as a "last adventure" but instead, as seventh seed, surprised herself by winning the All-England title back and taking it a third time.
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