LEE Chong Wei’s hopes of gifting Malaysia its first world title did not materialise in Copenhagen yesterday.
Chong Wei, appearing in his third consecutive final in the World Championships, had to play the bridesmaid role once again.
This time, it was China’s World No 2 Chen Long who dashed the Malaysian’s dream with a 21-19, 21-19 victory in a final that lasted an hour and nine minutes.
Expectations were high on Chong Wei to win his maiden title, especially in the absence of five-time champion Lin Dan, but the relentless attack and solid defending from Chen Long left the World No 1 with no answers.
“I have won three titles here in Denmark, but this is the first time for me to win the World Championships and I am really happy.
“I see a lot of Chinese fans cheering me on here, so thank you. I must also thank my teammates and sponsors because without them, I would not have won this match,” a jubilant Chen Long said.
Malaysian fans’ hearts were broken on Merdeka Day, but what is more worrying is that hopes of Chong Wei winning a major title (Olympics, World Championships and Asian Games) grows thinner by the day as age catches up.
The biggest upset of the day, however, came in the women’s singles final when Carolina Marin of Spain beat Olympic champion Li Xuerui of China 17-21, 21-17, 21-18.
In an all South Korean men’s doubles final, Ko Sung Hyun-Shin Baek Choel also pulled off an upset victory over their higher ranked teammates, Lee Yong Dae-Yoo Yeon Seong with a 22-20, 21-23, 21-18 score.
China’s Tian Qing-Zhao Yunlei were crowned champions in the women’s doubles final after defeating compatriots and defending champions Wang Xiaoli-Yu Yang 21-19, 21-15.