Chen Long retains men's singles crown at World Badminton Championships
China's world number one proves too classy for Malaysian ace Lee Chong Wei; Carolina Marin of Spain beats India's Saina Nehwal to defend her title
Top seed Chen Long of China proved unstoppable as he retained the men's singles crown at the World Championships yesterday, with Lee Chong Wei suffering an agonising fourth straight defeat.
There were back-to-back championship victories in the women's singles too, with world No 1 Carolina Marin of Spain beating India's Saina Nehwal to defend her title.
Last year I also cried, but this year I maybe cried more. I'm so happy to win this men's singles, not just for myself but for the China team
Malaysia's Lee entered the final hungrier than ever for his elusive world title but could not unsettle the Chinese world No 1, who stormed to a 21-14, 21-17 victory in just over an hour.
An overjoyed Chen, who has already won four titles in a stellar season this year, wept and kissed the court as his final triumphant smash sailed home.
"Last year I also cried, but this year I maybe cried more," he said.
"This was a very difficult tournament to play. Every match was very difficult. Every opponent was very strong. I'm so happy to win this men's singles, not just for myself but for the China team."