|
China’s holder Chen Long and his girlfriend Wang Shixian are on track for a happy ending to their love affair with the All England Open Badminton Championships after reaching the singles finals yesterday. |
Chen kept his title defence alive by defeating compatriot Wang Zhengming in straight games 21-17, 21-14.
Chen had had a scare in the quarter-finals against Denmark’s Hans-Kristian Vittinghus, who had showed his pedigree to win the first game 21-18. However, Chen was able to compose himself at the break and then showed his qualities to take the next two games 21-11 21-14.
“I was worried especially during the first game because my opponent is a great player so I did feel quite a lot of pressure at one point,” said Chen had said after the quarter-final.
“But I think both of us performed really well so I think in the end I was really lucky to progress. This is a very unique place and many players want to win.
“And it’s a fine line between winning and losing so I just want to try my best.”
Women’s No 4 seed Wang, who had eased past India’s Olympic bronze medallist Saina Nehwal 21-17 21-10, defeated London Games silver medallist Wang Yihan 21-8, 21-15.
“I think for every athlete confidence is the key thing and every time I win a match it gives me a boost,” Wang had said after her match against Nehwal. “I need to go into every match with confidence because that is the only way that I can beat my opponents.”
Now to see if the couple will be able to turn the All-England into a great love affair.
