Daren crowned French Open champion

National number two shuttler Liew Daren grabbed his first ever Super Series title after winning the Yonex French Badminton Open 2012, held at Paris yesterday.

The world number 24 staged a polished performance to beat Viktor Axelsen from Denmark 21-18, 21-17 in 42 minutes.

Earlier in the tournament, Liew stunned world number nine Sho Sasaki of Japan to advance into semifinal before edging out 18-year-old Jan O Jorgensen of Denmark.

Liew's win more or less made up for the defeat of Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong in the men's doubles.