Long wins Superseries Finals

Dubai, December 21

Reigning world Champion Chen Long of China demolished Denmark’s Hans-Kristian Vittinghus 21-16, 21-10 to win the men’s singles crown of the $1,000,000 Superseries Finals at the Hamdan Sports Complex here Sunday.

World No.2 Long was in his element right from the start against world No. 11 Vittinghus. He played an aggressive game and exposed the Dane’s weak defence. The Chinese fired several cross-court smashes which helped him win the first game 21-16.

In the second game, Vittinghus fought hard till the 10-point mark bofore Long upped the ante and killed the game by taking 11 straight points. The win helped the 25-year-old Long to take 8-1 lead in career meetings between the two players.

Korea’s Lee Yong Dae and Yoo Yeon Seong teetered on the brink of disaster before pulling off one of their most memorable triumphs to claim the men’s doubles title.

China’s Chai Biao and Hong Wei very nearly ambushed the Korean duo, but Lee and Yoo pulled themselves together when it mattered and edged past 19-21 21-19 21-16.

Despite a sizeable crowd rooting for them, the Koreans appeared uncharacteristically nervous throughout the first game. “To be honest, we weren’t at 100 percent in the first game,” said Lee.

“We knew we just had to win one game and then we would be back on track. I really wanted to win in Dubai and this ranks as one of our best wins.” — Agencies