Chen Hong retains title

Published August 25, 2003

SINGAPORE, Aug 24: World number one Chen Hong retained his Singapore Open badminton title with a 11-15 15-8 15-4 win over Chinese compatriot Chen Yu in the men’s singles final on Sunday.

China also emerged victorious in the women’s singles, where Zhang Ning defeated countrywoman Zhou Mi 11-0 11-8 to win her second crown here.

Chen Hong recovered from a poor start to demolish his practice partner Chen Yu in the final two games of their title match.

Zhang, who had never beaten Zhou in eight previous international meetings, snapped the losing streak with a brilliant display of agility and precision.

In the third all-Chinese final of the day, fifth seeds Yang Wei and Zhang Jiewen outduelled Gao Ling and Huang Sui 17-16 15-7 to claim the women’s doubles.

The men’s doubles final was an all Danish affair. Top seeds Jens Eriksen and Martin Lundgaard overcame Lars Paaske and Jonas Rasmussen 15-9 15-10.

Results:

Men’s singles 1-Chen Hong (China) beat Chen Yu (China) 11-15 15-8 15-4

Women’s singles 1-Zhang Ning (China) beat 5-Zhou Mi (China) 11-0 11-8

Men’s doubles Jens Eriksen/ Martin Lundgaard Hansen (Denmark) beat 2-Lars Paaske/Jonas Rasmussen (Denmark) 15-9 15-10

Women’s doubles 5-Yang Wei/Zhang Jiewen (China) beat 2-Gao Ling/Huang Sui (China) 17-16 15-7

Mixed doubles 5-Moon Kim-dong/Min Ra-kyung (South Korea) beat Zheng Bo/Zhang Jiewen (China) 15-5 15-9—Reuters