Dubai: Malaysia’s World No. 1 men’s doubles pair Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong couldn’t have asked for a better way to end the year of 2016 by claiming the men’s doubles title in the Dubai World Superseries Finals in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Sunday.
Although this was their first time competing in the World Superseries Finals, the Malaysian duo have carried their red-hot momentum in the final to storm past Japanese pair Takeshi Kamura-Keigo Sonoda 21-14, 21-19 to take home the men’s doubles title.
Goh/Tan who won the silver medal in Rio also clinched their first ever Superseries title at the Denmark Open in October. This was the first time a Malaysian pair has won the Superseries men’s doubles title since Koo Kien Keat/Tan Boon Heong won it in 2008.
Viktor Axelsen of Denmark who lost to Japan’s Kento Momota in the 2015 Dubai World Superseries Final, would not let history repeat itself as he came back from 1-6, 8-11 and 14-16 in the third set, reeling off 6 straight points to become the first Danish player to win a BWF World Superseries title against Tian Houwei of China. Axelsen won the first set 21-14, went down in the second with 6-21 but bounced back to win the decider 21-17.
“I thought I played okay in the first set, but I lost my focus in the second set,” said Axelsen.
“I told myself I need to give everything I can in the third set, it wasn’t a beautiful match, but I think I played good enough to win the match,” added Axelsen.
“This has been a great year for me, and I hope 2017 will be either the same or better,” Axelsen told reporters after the match.
Meanwhile, Tian Houwei who was aiming for his first title since the 2013 Australian Open, credited Axelsen for the achievement.
“Viktor played a great game, my shots were a little loose towards the end of third set. I look forward to more matches with Axelsen in the future,” said Tian.
Axelsen took home USD$80,000 for his victory in Dubai.
