Back-to-back king: China’s Li Shi Feng joins Lee Chong Wei in Malaysia Masters history books

KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 — China’s men’s singles player Li Shi Feng successfully defended the Malaysia Masters title he won last year after defeating Thailand’s Panitchaphon Teeraratsakul today.

In the match held at Unifi Arena, the fifth seed lived up to expectations by securing a straight-sets victory, 21-16, 21-17, in 50 minutes.

The win makes Li Shi Feng the second men’s singles player after Malaysian badminton legend Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei to successfully defend the title, who achieved the feat from 2009 to 2012 when the tournament was classified as a Grand Prix Gold event.

“It’s great motivation for me heading into the upcoming tournaments because it’s been quite a while since I last won a title. I’ve also had to deal with injuries and various physical issues.

“So, I think winning this title is a way of proving myself again,” he said after the match.

Meanwhile, China’s top seed Chen Yufei failed to live up to expectations after suffering a straight-sets defeat to Thailand star Ratchanok Intanon, 21-17, 21-15, in 51 minutes. 

World No. 7 Ratchanok Intanon was delighted to capture her third Malaysia Masters title, saying it was a good decision for her to compete in the tournament. 

In the women’s doubles event, China captured their second title at the tournament  after Chen Fan Shu Tian- Luo Xu Min defeated Japan’s Sayaka Hirota- Ayako Sakuramoto, 21-16, 25-23, in 52 minutes. 

China then secured their third title of the tournament in the mixed doubles event after Gao Jia Xuan-Wei Ya Xin defeated Thailand’s Pakkapon Teeraratsakul-Sapsiree Taerattanachai 21-13, 15-21, 21-11, in 58 minutes. — Bernama

المصدر: Malay Mail