Historic two in a row for FENG/HUANG
However, the match got off to a bad start against the formidable Dechapol PUAVARANUKROH/Supissara PAEWSAMPRAN (No. 4, Thailand). The Thai pair got off to a perfect start thanks to their constant concentration and efficiency (8/2), but gradually lost momentum. This was due to too many errors on their part, with shuttlecocks ending up out of bounds or in the net (11/11). It was precisely on a shuttlecock... in the net that the Chinese pair FENG Yan Zhe/HUANG Dong Ping (No. 2, China) took the lead for the first time (14/13). They even had three set points (20/17).
But three shuttles in the net later, the tables had turned (20/20). A real psychological duel then ensued between the two pairs. While ‘every point is won for Queen Sirikit’, commented Dechapol PUAVARANUKROH yesterday, referring to her death and to whom a tribute was paid before the match, he and his teammate finally succumbed after a hard fight (25/27).
The Thai players lost their smiles. Undoubtedly affected by losing the first set despite having opportunities to win it, they quickly fell behind (4/9). Another burst of speed from the FENG/HUANG pair will seal any attempt at an unlikely comeback (18/10). A single match point will be enough for the Chinese pair, who have been playing together for two years. Another trophy, their eighth of the year, confirms the exceptional year achieved by this duo, combining power and finesse.
China continues its supremacy in the mixed doubles at the Yonex IFB. For the fourth year in a row, a Chinese pair has lifted the trophy.
For the first time, a pair has won the trophy two years running, achieving an unprecedented double. FENG Yan Zhe and HUANG Dong Ping (No. 2, China) have thus left their mark on the competition.