Wang queen of Asia once again
Hong Kong's Wang Chen successfully defended her women's singles title when she defeated Kaori Mori of Japan 2-1 in the final of the Asian Championships in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, yesterday.
'Wang deserved to win the title as she has played some very good and consistent badminton throughout,' said Hong Kong coach Chan Chi-choi. 'The result also gives the Hong Kong team a morale booster before the Uber Cup finals later this month as it will also be conducted under the new scoring system.'
Playing in her third tournament under the new 21-rally-point scoring system, Wang appeared to have a better feel for the format than her Japanese opponent. The Hong Kong ace shuttler took the first game 21-14, and although she lost the following 9-21, which Chan put down to playing against a strong air current, the more experienced Wang was never in danger of losing as she wrapped up the match 21-13.
'Wang has only lost once to Mori in their previous eight encounters and once she found the rhythm of the game, she had little difficulty in defeating Mori one more time,' said Choi.
The winner's trophy brought Hong Kong's ace shuttler a cheque for US$8,900 and sweet revenge over China's Jiang Yanjiao when she defeated the mainlander in the semi-final. Wang lost to Jiang when they last met at the same stage at the National Games in October. Wang claimed after the defeat that Jiang won the tie because of the help of a linesman and she pulled out of the following bronze medal play-off in protest.
