Super Dan proves too powerful as China complete clean sweep
Lin Dan of China clinched a record fifth Hong Kong Open title as China dominated the US$250,000 Super Series tournament held for the first time at the Coliseum in Hung Hom yesterday.
The Chinese shuttlers made a clean sweep of all five titles, the second time since 2005 when Lin was also crowned the singles champion. Lin also took home his first Hong Kong title since 2007. The reigning Olympic and world champion (pictured) had little trouble disposing of compatriot Chen Jin in a routine 21-12, 21-19 win in 30 minutes.
China's Wang Xin continued her supremacy over Tine Baun of Denmark in the women's singles final, winning 21-17, 21-14.
It was Wang's first title in Hong Kong after she reached the semi-finals the previous two years. It was her ninth straight win over the Danish veteran. More than 5,000 fans packed the Coliseum during yesterday finals, but Lin, always a crowd favourite in Hong Kong, admitted the atmosphere failed to match Saturday's when he ousted world number one Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia in the semi-finals.
'Perhaps the final was an internal affair between two Chinese players and fans didn't want to see that,' said Lin. The Chinese superstar said he was not sure if he would return and attempt a sixth title next year.
'The Hong Kong Open will be held after the London Olympics and I may take a break by that time, but I will try to make it,' he said.
Women's champion Wang has now won four titles in the Super Series for 2011.
'My target is to gain sufficient points to qualify for the Olympics, but we have keen competition within the team,' said Wang, whose victory over Baun is her third straight Super Series title. In the mixed doubles, world number one pair Zhang Nan and Zhao Yunlei of China defeated the Danish pair of Joachim Fischer Nielsen and Christinna Pedersen. The mainlanders came from behind to win 15-21, 21-17, 21-17.
Zhao was also in the women's doubles final with partner Tian Qing, but had to retire after twisting her left knee against compatriots Yu Yang and Wang Xiaoli, who were leading 14-2 in the second game.
Top seeds Fu Haifeng and Cai Yun completed China's clean sweep by defeating Jung Jae-sung and Lee Yong-dae of South Korea, the second seeds, 14-21, 24-22, 21-19 in the men's doubles final.
