The double Aaron Chia / Soh Wooi Yik ended a 45-year world drought for Malaysia at the World Championships this Sunday as Viktor Axelsen slowly establishes himself as the best Dane of all time with a second world title after the Olympic gold. Akane Yamaguchi deprives China of three gold medals while the Chinese women’s and mixed doubles logically win in Tokyo.
As curious as it may seem, Malaysia, a world center of badminton, had never won an individual world title, in any category, since the beginning of the competition in 1977. Lee Chong Wei had failed many times. – a few pairs too, but the Malaysian flag had never finished on the top step of the podium. It is therefore a historic victory – a few days before the national holiday – that their compatriots Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik. And this, by winning in the final against the Indonesian “daddies” Ahsan and Setiawan who were eyeing a 4th title of world champions just as historic, with Hendra Setiawan and her 38 years. Chia and Yik are not bad stars strictly speaking, having never shone in major tournaments, but the magic touch of Rexy Mainaky, an Indonesian coach who returned to Kuala Lumpur after a few years of making Thai people happy, knew how to make the difference. Good news also for the Malaysian Badminton Association, which has known for a year the defections of key players, who have become independent, while Chia / Soh remain in the national fold. There is no doubt that there will be a hell of a party when the heroes return, who, for once, will become true national idols.
Incredible Viggo.
« I played really well, I was solid, I was able to manage the differences in the wind on the court better than my opponent and I am delighted to win this second title here in Tokyo, where I have already had a immense joy with Olympic Gold explained Viktor Axelsen emerging from a 21-5, 21-16 victory over young Thai Vitidsarn – who is also said to be the future big star of world badminton with incredible talent. But yesterday, the Dane was omnipresent and incisive on the single court of the giant Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium stadium. He gave his young opponent no chance and won a second world title, continuing his historic quest to be the best Danish badminton player of all time. ” I still have room for improvement, and I will strive to progress, again and again – that is my objective above all. he explained to the media around the world when he left the match.
China leaves with 2 titles
This is the minimum required for this badminton empire. China continued to shine in Tokyo, with two gold medals. In women’s doubles, the exuberant Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan defeated the Koreans Kim/Kong in straight sets. In mixed, back to normal where the duo Zheng/Huang becomes unbeatable again after their defeat in the final of the Games last year. They have just won the last 6 tournaments and finish with a bang in Tokyo, with a victory over local darlings Watanabe/Higashino, who were able to enjoy the support of their public, but without success – the Chinese were just a step above.
Finally, in women’s singles, Akane Yamaguchi, a badass alien with a unique style and size, thrilled the crowd with beautiful points, galore dives and incredible touch to win her second world title against reigning Olympic champion Chen Yufei. Still no gold for Tai Tzu Ying, who collects the titles, but not the most important – the player from Taipei ends up in bronze, like the young Korean An Se Young.
But also….
Note on these world championships:
– The Germans Lamsfuss and Lohau who make a magnificent competition, by dismissing the Hong Kongers Tang / Tse 21-19 in 3rd in quarters. A historic first medal for a mixed German.
– First medal also for Coubertin’s “darling”, Chou Tien Chen, with bronze in singles
– Disappointment for the blues, with in particular for the mixed an exit by the small door and a missed match in eighth for Thom and Delphine. It will be for the next time, no doubt about it.
– The health protocol is slowly softening, with the end of shuttlecock distributors and the return of shuttlecock exchanges between service judges and players. It feels good. Just like the fact that there was no health bubble in Tokyo – everyone went about their own business outside of the hotel for players and officials. Far fewer PCR tests too – just one on arrival for the bad guy’s caravan. On the other hand, the still ubiquitous masks, a press center where journalists are “inserted” – a bit paradoxical – and distributors of disinfectant products everywhere.
– French people in Tokyo – they were four to officiate in Tokyo – Stephane Venet as referee, Julie as line judge, and Eric Lissiliour as assistant referee of the competition and Gilles Cavert as assessor. The tricolor tradition of excellence therefore continues.
The medals :
single man:
Or: Viktor Axelsen (DEN) Argent: Kunlavut Vitidsarn (THA) Bronze: Zhao Jung Peng (CHN) and Chou Tien Chen (TPE)
Simple dame :
Or : Akane Yamaguchi (JAP) Argent : Chen Yufei (CHN) Bronze : Tai Tzu Ying (TPE) et An Se Young (KOR)
Double man:
Or : Soh Wooi Yik et Aaron Chia (MAL) Argent : Hendra Setiawan et Mohammad Ahsan (INA) Bronze : Alfian/Ardianto (INA) et Shetty/Rangkireddy (IND)
Double dame :
Or : Chen Qingchen et Jia Yifan (CHN)
Argent : Kim So Yeon et Kong Hee Yong (KOR) Bronze : Matsumoto/Nagahara (JAP) et Taerattanachai/Suparijakul (THA)
Double mixte :
Or : Zheng Siwei et Huang Yaqiong (CHN) Argent : Yuta Watanabe et Arisa Higashino (JAP) Bronze : Wang/Huang (CHN) et Lamsfuss/Lohau (GER)
Photos : Badmintonphoto
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