Chong Wei is World No 1 again

Lee Chong Wei beat Boonsak Ponsana of Thailand in the final of the Japan Open in Tokyo yesterday. Chong Wei won 21-18, 21-18. AFP pic

LEE Chong Wei reclaimed his World No 1 spot from nemesis Lin Dan of China after capturing his third Japan Open title in Tokyo yesterday.
But men's doubles Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong were sent packing by South Korean back-up pair Kim Ki Jung-Kim Sa Rang.
Chong Wei secured a 21-18, 21-18 win over Thai veteran Boonsak Ponsana in 41 minutes to add to the titles he won in 2007 and 2010.
However, Kien Keat-Boon Heong were toothless against Ki Jung-Sa Rang as the Malaysians lost 21-16, 21-19 in just 32 minutes.
Chong Wei was delighted with yesterday's victory after the frustration of losing to Lin Dan in the Olympic final last month.
Lin Dan and his teammates boycotted the Tokyo tournament following a diplomatic row between China and Japan.
Lin Dan will lose the ranking points he earned for reaching last year's Japan Open semi-finals while Chong Wei will reclaim his World No 1 spot when the weekly world ranking is released by Badminton World Federation on Thursday.
"It was really a good match, but it was tough. This is my first tournament after the London Olympics. I'm very happy to start with this victory. I can put my disappointment behind me," said the 29-year-old Chong Wei yesterday.
However, Kien Keat-Boon Heong's second defeat to Ki Jung-Sa Rang in as many matches may not go down well with the BA of Malaysia (BAM) which has given them another year to prove their worth.
Kien Keat-Boon Heong were supposed to be split after their poor outing in the Olympics and they are not helping themselves with their insipid showing against the Koreans.
The absence of China's shuttlers also allowed Tai Szu Ying of Taiwan to win her first Super Series title in the women's singles when she defeated Eriko Hirose of Japan 9-21, 21-9, 21-14.
Courtesy of New Straits Times