Lin Dan downs Chen Long to claim sixth China Masters title
JIANGSU: Badminton superstar Lin Dan claimed his sixth men's singles title on the final day of the China Masters as four No.1 seeds swept the honours in their respective events.
Chen Long, who lost to second seeded Lin Dan today, was the only top ranked player in this tournament to not prevail in the final. South Koreans Lee Yong Dae-Yoo Yeon Seong, China's Li Xuerui, Luo Ying-Luo Yu and Xu Chen-Ma Jin, all topseeds, all won their final battles today.
In the men's singles final,Lin Dan was forced to slog for 65 minutes before prevailing 21-17, 23-21. Lin Dan also won the China Masters in 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2014. Chen Long won the title twice – in 2011 and 2012.
The women's title was won by Li Xuerui – her first China Masters title. Xuerui battled for 63 minutes to subdue her young opponent and fifth seed Sun Yu 21-16, 19-21, 21-6.
The men's doubles was the only title that did not go China's way. In the final, world No 1 Yoong-dae-Yeon-seong defeated third seeds Kim Si Jung-Kim Sa Rang 21-17, 21-14 in an all-Korean final which lasted 40 minutes.
The women's doubles final was marathon affair as the Luo twins came from behind to beat Chen Qingchen-Jia Yifan 16-21, 21-15, 21-18 in 85 minutes. It was their second China Masters title, having also won in 2014.
In the mixed doubles top seeds Xu Chen-Ma Jin completed a hattrick of titles with a 21-17, 21-15 win over seventh seeds and compatriots Xheng Siwei-Chen Qingchen. They were also champions in 2011 and 2012.
RESULTS (ALL FINALS)
Men's singles
2-Lin Dan (Chn) bt 1-Chen Long (Chn) 21-17, 23-21
Men's doubles
1-Lee Yong Dae-Yoo Yeon Seong (Kor) bt 3-Kim Gi Jung-Kim Sa Rang (Kor) 21-17, 21-14
Women's singles
1-Li Xuerui (Chn) bt 5-Sun Yu (Chn) 21-16, 19-21, 21-6
Women's doubles
1-Luo Ying-Luo Yu (Chn) bt Chen Qingchen-Jia Yifan (Chn) 16-21, 21-15, 21-18
Mixed doubles
1-Xu Chen-Ma Jin (Chn) bt 7-Zheng Siwei-Chen Qingchen 21-17, 21-15
