Chong Wei suffers shocking straight sets defeat to Simon Santoso
Bernama
April 13, 2014 19:37 MYT
April 13, 2014 19:37 MYT
Winner Simon Santoso (L) of Indonesia and runner-up Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia pose for photographs during the OUE Singapore Open badminton tournament men's final on April 13, 2014. Santoso beat Lee, 21-15, 21-10. AFP PHOTO/ROSLAN RAHMAN
World number one Datuk Lee Chong Wei suffered a major upset in his bid to win a fourth Super Series title this year when he lost to Simon Santoso of Indonesia in the Singapore Open Super Series final at the Singapore Indoor Stadium today.
Santoso shocked China's world number five, Du Pengyu on Saturday, kept up his winning momentum by beating Chong Wei 21-15, 21-10 in straight sets, a result that shocked the badminton fraternity throughout the world, especially Malaysian badminton fans who watched it live on TV.
"I have not met and beaten Chong Wei in a long time. However, this win will certainly install me among the top bracket and act as a tonic to face other tournaments," said Santoso after the match.
For his efforts today, the Indonesian took home US$22,500 (RM72,792) while Chong Wei had to be satisfied with US$11,400 (RM36,881) as the runner-up.
Prior to the Singapore Open, Chong Wei had already bagged the Malaysian Open Super Series in January, All England in March and the India Open early this month.
The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) did not send any women's singles players for the tournament that offered US$300,000 (RM966,932) as total prize money.