Lee rules supreme
Posted by valsus on February 9, 2010
JOHOR BARU : Back-up shuttler Kuan Beng Hong put up a determined effort in the men’s singles final of the 2009 National Grand Prix Finals at the Bandaraya Stadium here yesterday before allowing Lee Chong Wei to take the title for an eighth consecutive time.
Chong Wei won 21-17, 21-13 in 30 minutes and claimed the winner’s cheque of RM7,000.
In the first game, Beng Hong surprisingly led Chong Wei 11-4 before the world No. 1 clawed back to win it. Although Beng Hong tried his best in the second game, Chong Wei gave him no chance at all and secured the match.
“I started a bit slow today and let Beng Hong dictate the game. But I managed to get into my rhythm to win the match,” said Chong Wei.
“I will continue to prepare for the centenary All-England championships next month (March 9-14) and that is one of my main priorities for the year.”
Chong Wei added that he would not lay off training during the Chinese New Year festive season as he needed to get his fitness at peak level for his onslaught on the All-England title.
“In the All-England, Lin Dan will be my toughest opponent and there’s not much time left after the Chinese New Year. Every day counts in my preparation for the All-England,” said Chong Wei.
In the women’s singles final, youngster Tee Jing Yi stunned favourite Lydia Cheah to win 21-10, 11-21, 21-11.
“I was very confident when I took the first game. But in the second, I felt a slight twinge on my back and I decided to give it away to avoid straining my back,” said Jing Yi.
“In the rubber, I decided to wait for my opportunity before making attacks and the tactic proved to be fruitful.”
Veterans Choong Tan Fook-Lee Wan Wah defeated youngsters Mak Hee Chun-Tan Wee Kiong 21-16, 20-22, 21-13 in a 50-minute match to take the men’s doubles title.
After securing the first game at 21-16, Tan Fook-Wan Wah faced an onslaught from the young pair, who succeeded in forcing a third game. In the end, it was the experience of Tan Fook-Wan Wah that brought them the title.
Chin Ee Hui-Wong Pei Tty lived up to their billing as favourites, beating Lim Yin Loo-Ng Paou Leng 21-14, 21-12 in 30 minutes.
There was consolation for Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari after suffering the disappointment of a semi-final exit in the men’s doubles with Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif last Saturday.
He partnered Pei Tty to take the mixed doubles title, beating Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying 21-18, 16-21, 21-19 in 46 minutes.
