World number two Lin Dan of China beat world number one Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia 2-1 to claim the men's singles title of Hong Kong Open badminton championships here on Saturday.
Lin, dubbed as "Super Dan" by media, took more than one hour to clinch the title with a 21-19, 8-21, 21-16 victory, which is the third win for him from their previous four meetings.
"It's a good game as both of us played quite good, " said Lin. " And I think the result is normal."
"Actually we are in the same level and who could keep calm to play in a normal way may be taking chance to win the match finally. "
Lin played sluggish in the second set and soon lost it 21-8.
"I had difficulties in the second set today when I met stamina problems and failed to focus on the competition. Then I decided to give it up and look forward to the third games, which is a dangerous thinking that I will try to avoid in future," said Lin who lost the second game 21-8.
Lin came out strong in the final game with a 6-2 lead before Lee played a 6-2 attacking run to level it 14-14. Lin kept pressure on the rival's back hand and soar on to a 21-16 with a consecutive four points.
"Lin is a really tough rival to play against, " said Lee who managed to survived seven match points to beat Lin in the Malaysia Open last June.
"I played a little bit fussy in some key points, that's why I lost it, " added Lee.
The women's singles title went to Lin's girl friend Xie Xingfang as her opponent Zhang Ning quit the final due to a knee injury.
"I do hope to have a chance to play against Zhang in the final to test what I achieved from the close-door training session last several weeks, " said Xie.
"But the championship still means a lot to me, especially before I am to defend the world championships this month."
Chinese pair Yang Wei and Zhang Jiewen beat their teammates Gao Ling and Huang Sui 21-19, 15-21, 21-19 to claim the women's doubles title while mixed doubles champion went to a new combination of Zheng Bo and Zhao Tingting, who defeated the Indonesia's Widianto Nava/Natsir Lilyyana 22-20, 21-19.
Indonesia's pair of Kido Markis and Setiawan Hendra rallied from behind to beat Choong Tan Fook/Lee Wan Wah of Malaysia 2-1 to win the men's doubles title.
(source: Xinhua)
