CHANGZHOU, CHINA — The news out of the China Open 2018 this past week was all #TeamYonex, as they won four of five categories. Carolina Marin (ESP) added to her current win streak, marking her third title in a row since the World Championships, and her second first place finish in just two weeks. In men’s singles, Anthony Sinisuka Ginting (INA) upset a who’s-who list of star players, including a breath-taking win over World Champion Kento Momota.
Marin, who has now won 15 matches straight, got off to something of a slow start in the first game of her match with Chen Yufei (CHN). But soon, through her characteristic high-energy, fast-paced style, and not a few shouts, she found herself settled in and did not let up until she sealed the victory, 21-18, 21-13.
On the men’s side, Ginting stunned the crowd throughout the tournament, as he defeated Lin Dan, Viktor Axelsen and Chou Tien Chen, to set up a finals showdown with Kento Momota. Though Ginting won their last meeting at the Asian Games, it was the third-seeded Momota who was the hands-down favorite. However, despite going down 14-19 in the first game, and then 10-15 in the second, Ginting fought persistently, eventually edging out the World Champion, 23-21, 21-19 in one hour and three minutes.
In men’s doubles, Kim Astrup and Anders Skaarup Rasmussen (DEN) went the distance against young Chinese pair Han Chengkai and Zhou Haodong, 21-13, 17-21, 21-14. This is Astrup and Rasmussen’s first Series 1000-level title.
While in women’s doubles, Rio gold medalists Ayaka Takahashi (JPN) and Misaki Matsumoto won their third title of the year. They sailed past compatriots and World Champions Mayu Matsumoto and Wakana Nagahara, 21-16, 21-12, in just 34 minutes.
For full match results, go here.
Carolina Marin: DUORA Z-STRIKE, AEROBITE, AERUS 3
Anthony Sinisuka Ginting: ASTROX 88 D, BG66 ULTIMAX, POWER CUSHION 65 Z MENS
Kim Astrup: ASTROX 88 S, AEROBITE, POWER CUSHION 65 Z MENS
Anders Skaarup Rasmussen: DUORA 10, BG80, POWER CUSHION 65 Z MENS
Ayaka Takahashi: DUORA 7, BG80 POWER, POWER CUSHION 65 Z LADIES
Photo: Badminton Photo