Malaysian national hero Chong Wei was back in top form in France, skillfully making his way through the draw in mostly straight-games. He went up against 2014 champion Chou Tien Chen (VOLTRIC Z-FORCE, SHB02LTD) in a final match with a few surprises. Chong Wei dominated in the first game, taking full control of rallies, drawing Tien Chen into his own rhythm, striking with fierce speed and precision. The badminton Legend secured the first game with one of his explosive trademark smashes. Game 2 saw the Malaysian hold a strong 19-12 lead, but defending champion Tien Chen powered back with a vengeance, reeling off six points to reach 19-18. However, with his first Superseries title of the year right before his eyes, Chong Wei was resolute, sealing the final tense rally with another one of his pin-point smashes from the back of the court. The final score came to 21-13 21-18.
Carolina Marin (NANORAY Z-SPEED, SHB-02LX) was this year’s champion after coming out victorious over China’s Wang Shixian. Despite having Shixian hot on her tail, the Spaniard was on top for most of the first game thanks to her dynamic and explosive play style. The second game saw Carolina constantly force her opponent into errors with her overwhelming plays, the match ending when the Chinese sent the shuttle into the net. The match closed at 21-18 21-10, and was the shortest final of the day. The two-time World Champion made it through the tournament winning all but one match in straight games.
Praveen Jordan (NANORAY 800, SHB87LTD) and Debby Susanto (NANOSPEED 9900, SHB87LTD) placed as the mixed doubles finalists, the un-seeded pair defeating Chinese No. 8 seeds Lu Kai and Huang Yaqiong in the semifinal in straight games, 21-18 21-19. They put up a strong fight against Korea’s Ko Sung Hyun and Kim Ha Na in the final, taking the match into three games.
YONEX players now have their sights set on the China Open and YONEX-Sunrise Hong Kong Open in November.
2015 YONEX French Open Results
Men’s Singles Final
Lee Chong Wei (DUORA 10, SHB01LTD)(MAS) def. [6] Chou Tien Chen (VOLTRIC Z-FORCE, SHB02LTD)(TPE) 21-13 21-18
Women’s Singles Final
[2] Carolina Marin (NANORAY Z-SPEED, SHB-02LX)(ESP) def. [4] Wang Shixian (CHN) 21-18 21-10
Mixed Doubles Final
[7] Ko Sung Hyun/Kim Ha (KOR) def. Praveen Jordan (NANORAY 800, SHB87LTD)/Debby Susanto (NANOSPEED 9900, SHB87LTD))(INA) 21-10 15-21 21-19