Lee Chong Wei became the first player to win four titles in the season-ending Badminton World Federation Superseries Finals yesterday when he crushed Indonesia's Tommy Sugiarto 21-10, 21-2 in Kuala Lumpur.
World No 1
Lee took over top spot in the rankings on the strength of his most productive season, winning seven Superseries titles in one year. He also won in South Korea, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, Japan and Hong Kong. Players from east Asia dominate the rankings.
Background
Lee was ranked No 1 for 199 consecutive weeks, from 2008 to 2012, and was called “a national hero” by the Malaysia prime minister after winning silver at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, ending the country’s 12-year medal drought. He also took silver at London 2012.
Not done
His previous championships in the series final came in 2008, 2009 and 2010. His route to the championship over the weekend was eased by the absence of two Chinese, the No 2-ranked Chen Long and Lin Dan, Lee’s top rival.
Age no factor
Lee is 31, but he believes he can extend his run at the top. “To me, age is just a number,” he said. “I don’t see why I can’t continue, as I still have the desire to win titles. I still love training as hard, and 2014 is going to be a big year.”
Big finish
The US$500,000 (Dh1,836,475) Superseries Finals bring together the top eight performers in the five categories based on points earned from 12 Superseries tournaments. The men’s and women’s singles champions win US$40,000, and three doubles winners split $42,000 each.
* Agence-France Presse
