* Defending champion Chen Long retains world title
* Carolina Marin retains women’s title
The world title remained elusive for Malaysia’s Datuk Lee Chong Wei as he crashed to a 21-14, 21-17 defeat to defending champion Chen Long of China in the men’s singles final at the Istora Senayan Stadium in Jakarta on Sunday.
It was Chong Wei’s fourth consecutive final in the world championships. The former World No 1 probably played his last match in the world meet as he now switches his attention to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics.
The Malaysian, who went into the world meet unseeded after serving out an eight-month suspension for allegedly doping scandal is now ranked No 44 in the world.
On the way to the final Chong Wei had shown championship material was even touted to win the elusive title after five-time world champion and two-time Olympics gold medallist Lin Dan was bundled out in the quarter-finals by Denmark’s World No 2 Jan O Jorgensen.
Jorgensen, however, was taken care of by Chong Wei in the semi-finals with a 21-7, 21-18 win to set up a repeat final against Chen Long.
But Chen Long turned on the heat on the Malaysian after a poor start and once the Chinese ace found the rhythm the task became difficult for Chong Wei although he tried his best.
Chen Long was dominant as the match progressed – always a confident self with his leaping smashes and fine net play which turned out to be a sore point for Chong Wei which affected his confidence.
With the win Chen Long took his head-to-head statistics 12-9 in his favour.
Chong Wei won the silver medal in the 2011 world championships in Wembley, in Guangzhou (2013), Copenhagen (2014). The silver medal in Copenhagen, however, was taken away after the doping scandal.
“Chong Wei is good player but I was better in the final and to retain the title is something I will cherish,” said Chen Long after his win.
Meanwhile, in the women’s singles final defending champion and current world No Carolina Marin walked away with her second world title with a 21-16, 21-19 win over India’s second seed Saina Nehwal in 58 minutes.
Despite her defeat to Carolina, Saina became the first woman shuttler to play in the final in the world championships. India’s previous best was the bronze won by P.V. Sindhu in the last two world championships.
RESULTS (FINALS)
SINGLES
Men
Chen Long (Chn) beat Datuk Lee Chong Wei (Mas)
Women
Carolina Marin (Spn) beat Saina Nehwal (Ind) 21-16, 21-19
