Shi Feng retains Malaysia Masters crown, emulates Chong Wei

KUALA LUMPUR: China’s men’s singles player Li Shi Feng joined an exclusive club on Sunday when he became the first men’s singles player since Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei to successfully defend the Malaysia Masters title.

The world No. 7 downed Thailand’s world No. 28 Panitchaphon Teeraratsakul 21-16, 21-17 in the final at the Unifi Arena in Bukit Jalil to retain the crown he claimed last year.

Shi Feng defeated India’s K. Srikanth in last year’s final to claim his first title at this Super 500 tournament.

The 26-year-old now follows in the footsteps of Chong Wei, who remains the tournament’s most decorated men’s singles champion with five titles, including four in succession from 2009 to 2012 and his last triumph in 2016.

It was Shi Feng’s first meeting with the 21-year-old Panitchaphon, who continues his wait for a maiden World Tour title this season after also falling at the final hurdle of the Indonesia and Thailand Masters earlier this season.

Shi Feng said his Thai opponent had pushed him harder than the straight-games scoreline suggested.

“I think both sides performed quite normally today,” he told reporters after the final.

“It was also my first time playing against Panitchaphon, and I think he is very powerful.

“During the match, he also put a lot of threat and pressure on me.”

The title also carries added weight for Shi Feng, who only added the Hong Kong Open to his trophy cabinet after lifting the title in Kuala Lumpur last year.

He admitted that injuries and physical setbacks had chipped away at his belief, and that the latest triumph was as much about restoring confidence as it was about silverware.

“It’s been a while since I won a championship,” he said.

“I had some injuries and various physical issues before, and confidence still needs to be built through winning matches. So winning this championship is a way to affirm myself.”

Shi Feng will now turn his attention to the Singapore Open, which begins on Tuesday.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

المصدر: New Straits Times