The world No. 1 YONEX player Lee Chong Wei (VTZF, SHB01LTD) took his sixth title this year and the English mixed doubles pair Chris Adcock (VTZF, SHB01LTD)/Gabrielle White (VT80, SHB-01LX) won their first Superseries title at the YONEX-SUNRISE Hong Kong Open. Chris and Gabrielle became the second English players to win the Superseries title, marking the first time England won the Hong Kong Open title since 1987.
Chong Wei won all the matches in straight sets throughout the tournament. Facing three-time Asian Champion Sony Dwi Kuncoro, Chong Wei dominated the game delivering 24 devastating smash winners while Sony made just 7. He captured the title with a score of 21-13 21-9.
Chris and Gabrielle, who are husband and wife, had a great week in Hong Kong. After defeating Chan Peng Soon (ARC10) and Goh Liu Ying (NR-ZSP) in the quarterfinal, they faced the world No. 1 Chinese duo Zhang Nan/Zhao Yunlei. It was the fourth match-up this year with Nan/Yunlei winning all the matches. This time, however, Chris and Gabrielle came out strong with their quick attacks from the beginning. The Chinese pair allowed a lot of clear winners while Chris and Gabrielle played steadily, upsetting their opponents with tactical deep serves.
The English pair finally defeated the top seeded Chinese duo with 21-12 21-16. Chris and Gabrielle played so aggressively, smashing every turnaround opportunity in the final against Liu Cheng and Bao Yixin of China. Chris’ powerful smash paved the way for Gabrielle to seize the match and make the final point. Earning 20 smash winners, the English duo finally won their big title 21-14 24-22 and secured the qualification for the BWF Superseries Finals in Kuala Lumpur.
Chris commented on his Twitter @ChrisAdcock1, “SPEECHLESS… I can’t explain how happy I am right now! Our first SS win!! An unbelievable week!!!!!”
His wife, Gabrielle, also mentioned on her Twitter @gabbywhite, “Wow! I can’t describe the feeling right now! One of my dreams finally accomplished! It couldn’t have been done without all the support from the staff and everybody who has helped me along the way! Hopefully the first of many!”
The BWF Superseries Finals will be held from December 11 to 15 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and YONEX will support the big event with the necessary equipment, such as shuttlecocks. Stay tuned!
Tournament Results - Finals
Men’s Singles
[1]Lee Chong Wei (VTZF, SHB01LTD)(MAS) def. Sony Dwi Kuncoro (INA) 21-13 21-9
Mixed Doubles
[2Chris Adcock (VTZF, SHB01LTD)/Gabrielle White (VT80, SHB-01LX) def. Liu Cheng/Bao Yixin (CHN) 21-14 24-22