Wednesday, 9 Oct 2024

BWF News

Lee Chong Wei and Juliane Schenk, the singles runners-up in last year’s Yonex-Sunrise India Open, have earned a chance at redemption by advancing to the finals today.

Lee Chong Wei’s Redemption

World No. 1 Lee Chong Wei, aiming to reclaim the Men’s Singles title he won in 2011, overcame a spell of poor form to secure his 11th straight win over Boonsak Ponsana from Thailand. Ponsana managed to win the second game, taking advantage of Lee’s momentary lapse in attacking and defending. However, in the third game, Lee corrected his flaw and returned to his customary high pace, attacking sharply and precisely, ultimately causing Ponsana’s challenge to collapse. Lee emerged victorious with a score of 21-11 18-21 21-8.

Kenichi Tago’s Triumph

Kenichi Tago from Japan, ranked 6th, reached his first Superseries final in over a year. He showcased his craftiness against home hope Anand Pawar, who had earlier upset the third seed, Hu Yun. Although Pawar briefly matched Tago’s level, the Japanese player eventually asserted his dominance. Pawar displayed impressive patches of play, but failed to string together enough points to threaten Tago’s lead. Tago won convincingly with a score of 21-16 21-11.

“My defence was good,” said Tago. “Given that the shuttle was slow today, I felt more confident in my defence. Lee Chong Wei is a fast player, and I will have to prepare for a fast-paced final.”

Tham Khảo Thêm:  News | BWF World Tour

Juliane Schenk’s Challenge

In Women’s Singles, Juliane Schenk faced Ratchanok Intanon from Thailand, who she had previously lost to five times in a row. Schenk survived a tough encounter with Indonesia’s Aprilla Yuswandari, winning with a score of 21-18 21-18. On the other hand, Intanon proved to be too strong for India’s PV Sindhu, dampening the hopes of the home crowd with a commanding victory of 21-12 21-6. Sindhu had an impressive run in the tournament, but Intanon expertly dismantled her, utilizing her sharp smashes to secure one winner after another. Intanon appeared tentative in the quarterfinal, but in this match, she decisively used her superior court craft to leave Sindhu desperately short of the shuttle.

Highlights

  • In Mixed Doubles, Tontowi Ahmad and Lilyana Natsir are on track for their third consecutive India Open title. The Indonesians had an unexpectedly easy match against Robert Mateusiak/Nadiezda Zieba from Poland, winning 21-5 21-10 in just 20 minutes. Ahmad/Natsir will face Ko Sung Hyun/Kim Ha Na from Korea in the final. The Koreans survived a tough encounter against Chris Adcock/Gabrielle White, winning 21-14 12-21 21-17.
  • In Men’s Doubles, Liu Xiaolong/Qiu Zihan from China, ranked 8th, made a comeback in both games against Angga Pratama/Ryan Agung Saputra. They won their semifinal in straight games, with a score of 22-20 21-19. The Indonesians led 19-17 in both games but failed to close it out. Liu/Qiu will face third seeds Lee Yong Dae/Ko Sung Hyun from Korea in the final.
  • In Women’s Doubles, fourth seeds Miyuki Maeda/Satoko Suetsuna had a convincing win over their higher-ranked compatriots Misaki Matsutomo/Ayaka Takahashi, with a score of 21-16 21-14. They will face Christinna Pedersen/Kamilla Rytter Juhl from Denmark, who are ranked 2nd, in the final.
Tham Khảo Thêm:  News | BWF World Championships

Text by Dev Sukumar | Dev Sukumar

FAQs

Q: What is the significance of the Yonex-Sunrise India Open?
A: The Yonex-Sunrise India Open is a prestigious badminton tournament that attracts top players from around the world. It provides a platform for players to showcase their skills and compete for the championship title.

Q: Who are the favorites to win in the upcoming finals?
A: In the Men’s Singles final, Lee Chong Wei is aiming to reclaim the title he won in 2011. He will face off against Kenichi Tago, who is in his first Superseries final in over a year. In the Women’s Singles final, Juliane Schenk will seek to overcome her previous losses to Ratchanok Intanon and emerge victorious.

Conclusion

The Yonex-Sunrise India Open has witnessed thrilling matches and surprises as Lee Chong Wei and Juliane Schenk secured their spots in the finals. The upcoming matches promise intense competition as the players strive for redemption and victory. Stay tuned to witness badminton at its best.

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