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Chen Hong retains Singapore Open title

August 24, 2003 18:50 IST
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World number one Chen Hong retained his Singapore Open title with a 11-15, 15-8, 15-4 win over Chinese compatriot Chen Yu in the men's singles final on Sunday.

China also emerged victorious in the women's singles, where Zhang Ning defeated countrywoman Zhou Mi 11-0, 11-8 to win her second crown here.

Chen Hong recovered from a poor start to demolish his practice partner Chen Yu in the final two games of their title match.

"We practise together all the time. So I was confident of winning the final," said Chen Hong.

"But he attacked very well in the first game and that surprised me a little. However, I was able to up the tempo in the second and third game."

Zhang, who had never beaten Zhou in eight previous international meetings, snapped the losing streak with a brilliant display of agility and precision.

"I played an attacking game from the start but did not expect to win the first game 11-0," said Zhang.

"In the second I was unable to maintain the pace and Zhou stayed close. But I managed to win the game and avoid a decider.

"I am sure if the match had gone to a third game, Zhou would have made me pay."

In the third all-Chinese final of the day, fifth seeds Yang Wei and Zhang Jiewen outduelled Gao Ling and Huang Sui 17-16, 15-7 to claim the women's doubles.

The men's doubles final was an all Danish affair. Top seeds Jens Eriksen and Martin Lundgaard overcame Lars Paaske and Jonas Rasmussen 15-9, 15-10.

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Source: REUTERS
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