Paris – An Se Young (KOR) shocked former World Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist Carolina Marin (ESP), who recently made a stunning return to form after injury by winning the China Open, to claim her first World Super Series event above Super 500. Korea also claimed gold (and silver) in women’s doubles, where Lee So Hee and Shin Seung Chan defeated compatriots Kim So Yeong and Kong Hee Yong. In men’s doubles Marcus F. Gideon and Kevin S. Sukamuljo (INA) took home their seventh tour title of the year.
Young, who made headlines earlier this year when she defeated World No. 1 Tai Tzu Ying to book Korea a spot in the semi-finals, made a convincing argument this past weekend that she has officially arrived as one of women’s singles’ top contenders. Facing Marin’s unique brand of high-paced, aggressive badminton, Young initially seemed unmatched to the challenge, losing the first game 16-21. But in the second, she seemed to take control of the pace of the match, and Marin could find no answers for her. By the time the third game was decided, Young was in clear control, winning 16-21, 21-18, 21-5 in sixty-nine minutes.
In women’s doubles, it was an all-Korean final as Lee and Shin, who had not won a title event this year, embraced their opportunity to revenge their final-round loss to Kim and Kong at last month’s Korean Open. It was a thrilling rubber band match that took place over one hour eighteen minutes, with Lee and Shin eventually outlasting their countrywomen to the tune of 16-21, 21-19, 21-12.
Gideon and Sukamuljo continue to roll through the Tour with echoes of their impressive streak last season. This final some them up against Indian pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, who were clearly unprepared for the blistering pace and skill with which the Minions have dominated their category. After straight games, 21-18, 21-16 in just 35 minutes, they were headed for the podium.
For full match results, go here.
An Se Young: ASTROX 77, BG80, POWER CUSHION AERUS 3
Lee So Hee: NANOFLARE 700, AEROBITE, POWER CUSHION 65 Z
Shin Seung Chan: NANORAY 900, BG66 ULTIMAX, POWER CUSHION 65 Z WIDE
Kevin S. Sukamuljo: ASTROX 88 S, AEROBITE BOOST, POWER CUSHION 65 Z 2
Marcus F. Gideon: ASTROX 88 D, BG65 TITANIUM, POWER CUSHION AERUS 3