Lee Chong Wei claims second Badminton Asia Championships title after 10 years

Malaysian badminton ace Datuk Lee Chong Wei extended his winning streak against world number one, Chen Long to clinch his second Badminton Asia Championships title at Wuhan, China, today.

The former world number one defeated his arch rival for the fourth time in row, winning the game 21-17, 15-21, 21-13 in a match that was closely fought for one hour and 22 minutes.

Chong Wei last lost to the two-time world champion in the 2015 Jakarta World Championship final last August, before sidelining Chen Long at the China Open, Hong Kong Open as well as Malaysia Open in April.

In the first set, Chen Long gained seven straight points after trailing 8-11 to overtake Chong Wei 15-11, but the latter fought back to win six straight points to wrap up the set 21-17.

The Chinese national however, bounced back in the second set to secure a 21-15 win and force the match to be decided by a third set.

In the decider, the Penang born shuttler showcased his skills by winning the 21-13, to secure his 12th win against the world number one in the head to head count, while the latter had won 11 times.

The 33-year-old won his first Badminton Asia Championships back in 2006, exactly 10 years ago, showing how long the Malaysian ace has been on the courts.

In the semifinal clash yesterday, Chong Wei crushed defending champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist, Lin Dan 22-20, 15-21, 21-4, while Chen Long had easily disposed compatriot Tian Houwei in straight sets 21-14, 21-16.

With the win Chong Wei walked away with USD15,000 (about RM58,702).

No other Malaysian shuttlers advanced beyond the second round at the tournament, which offers a total prize money of USD200,000 (about RM782,700).