China set to win GP's men's singles
JAKARTA (JP): China is set to win the men's singles and the women's doubles titles in today's finals at the 1997 Lipton World Grand Prix Badminton Finals at Senayan Indoor Stadium.
Dong Jiong, world number one, meets Sun Jun, while Ge Fei/Gu Jun face Qin Yiyuan/Tang Yongshu, making an all-Chinese finals.
Dong defeated the 1996 Olympic gold medalist Poul-Erik Hoyer- Larsen 15-9, 15-7 in a 31-minute match yesterday.
Sun beat world number two Peter Gade Christensen of Denmark 15-10, 15-17, 15-6 in 75 minutes. Their meet will be a repeat of the All England final.
In the women's singles, Indonesia's Susi Susanti, who aims to win her seventh title from the tournament, challenges archrival Ye Zhaoying after beating world ranked two Gong Zhichao of China 11-8, 11-4 in 40 minutes.
Ye taught a lesson to junior Wang Chen, world number 13, and won 11-6, 11-3 in 23 minutes.
Dong, who won four Grand Prix series tournaments, including the All England this year, told a postmatch press conference at the beginning of yesterday's match that it was difficult.
"Hoyer-Larsen is one of the finest player in the world. He played good tonight, especially in the first set. He's very tough before the net. I must be confident to play against him because he's very skilled."
Separately, Hoyer-Larsen, who has lost to Dong twice in their six meetings, said that he played well in the beginning.
"But after leading 9-5, I made simple mistakes and led him 9-8 before he took over 11-9. I lost my confidence and I didn't believe that I could push him on the court. In the end, he controlled the game and won it," said the father of two children.
"He pushed me to the baseline and suddenly pulled me before the net. When he's in control, he's very good and dangerous. He's mentally quite relax. If I could push him on the court, I might win."
"However, I'm quite satisfied with my performance because I didn't have any tournament practice before competing here," said the U.S. Open winner.
Sun Jun had to play all out before winning the first set 15-10 against Gade Christensen. But he lost the second set 15-17 when he spoiled his chance in the match point of 14-4 by making unforced errors.
Gade Christensen started to trail in points before he finally equalized the score for a deuce. In the do-or-die set, Gade Christensen, barracked by 1,500 spectators, closed the set 17-15.
Unfortunately, he failed to win the third set.
Sun said: "The most important thing was to give high balls to Gade Christensen and play more patiently, especially in the third set. I rushed myself too much to finish the second set but I made mistakes instead."
Susi, who started to push Gong with her offensive lobs, controlled her match and won against the Chinese 4-3 in their seven meets.
"I just hoped to win my seventh title in the tournament. I think I and Ye have the same chances to win the final tomorrow," she said.
Susi's coach, Liang Chiushia, said: "Susi could control the match from the beginning. She's very confident and her attacking lobs and defense were very good."
Gong said: "Susi played very well today. I had to rally to beat her but she attacked more. There's a strong wind on the court which influenced my form. But this is Susi's best form in a match against me." (yan)
Results
Men's singles: Dong Jiong (Chn) bt Poul-Erik Hoyer-Larsen (Den) 15-9, 15-7 Sun Jun (Chn) bt Peter Gade Christensen (Den) 15-10, 15-17, 15-6
Women's singles: Susi Susanti (Ina) bt Gong Zhichao (Chn) 11-8, 11-4 Ye Zhaoying (Chn) bt Wang Chen (Chn) 11-6, 11-3
Men's doubles: Candra Wijaya/Sigit Budiarto (Ina) bt Ricky Subagja/Rexy Mainaky (Ina) 7-15, 15-8, 15-3 Cheah Soon Kit/Yap Kim Hock (Mal) bt Jens Eriksen/Jesper Larsen (Den) 15-2, 15-9
Women's doubles: Qin Yiyuan/Tang Yongshu (Chn) bt Qiang Hong/Liu Lu (Chn) 15-9, 15-10 Ge Fei/Gu Jun (Chn) bt Eliza/Zelin Resiana (Ina) 15-6, 15-9
Mixed doubles: Tri Kusharjanto/Minarti Timur (Ina) bt Jens Eriksen/Marlene Thomsen (Den) 15-9, 15-12 Liu Yong/Ge Fei (Chn) bt Bambang Suprianto/Riseu Rosalina (Ina) 15-2, 15-3