Worlds rookie Zhu lifts champ title
Updated: 2007-08-20 10:27
Zhu Lin, China's Olympic badminton hopeful, overcame Wang Chen of Hong Kong, China, 21-8, 21-12 in the women's singles final to win her first world championship here on Sunday.
 |
They had met four times, all won by Wang Chen. Their last meeting was in Indonesian Open when Zhu squandered a huge lead to lose.
In the first game, Zhu led 4-0, controlling the game and winning 16 clear winners against Wang's three. Zhu closed out the game 21-8.
In the second, Zhu led at the half of the game 11-8. Then Wang seemed to be inundated with unforced errors, losing 12-21.
"I am very excited. I do have some expectations for this match. Before the match, I never beat her. But I have no pressure and give it all."
"I think my sound preparation does work for my win. I have good analysis of her techniques and learn how to contain her. After years' major tournaments, I have become more mature," said Zhu.
"Exits of Zhang Ning and Xie Xingfang offer a chance for me. I should shoulder the responsibility. It's really a tough challenge for me but I turned pressure to motivation," added Zhu.
It's Wang's second worlds final after a loss to China's Ye Zhaoying in 1997 edition.
"I am really disappointed about the result since it is my last worlds. Actually I have recovered well from yesterday's match. I have tried my best," said Wang.
"Zhu played faster and I don't have good chances in back court play. I just can not keep up with her speed and make quite a few mistakes."
Wang plans to retire after the Beijing Olympic Games. As for the Olympics, Wang has no special preparation for it yet.
"What I need to do is to stay away from injuries and illnesses. But I do want a medal if I qualify for the Games."
|
|
|
||
|
||
|
|
|
|