China clinches women's singles title in advance

Wang Shixian of China eliminated Malaysia's Wong Mew Cho, who had been the only non-Chinese player in the top eight, securing the champion of the women's singles in advance for China at China Open badminton here on Friday.

Wang surprised Wong by a series of top-level attacks at the very beginning of the first set, making a 14-5 lead. Wong tried to fight back, but Wang succeeded in winning this set 21-10 at ease.

Wong got familiar with her rival at the second set. Neither of the two players was able to establish a decisive lead in the second set. They drew the score from 16-16 to 22-22. Finally, Wang took the chance to take two key points, edging out Wong 24-22.

Obviously, Wang Shixian wasn't one of Wong's familiar players.

"I was totally confused in the first set. I almost knew nothing about my rival, and she played very well." Wong said after the match. "The second set was better."

Wang seemed calm after her victory.

"The second set was really tough." She said. "I won the first set, so I didn't feel nervous in the second."

Source: Xinhua