Jonatan Christie’s brilliant form continued to hold as he captured the BANK OF NINGBO Badminton Asia Championships 2024 title, following up on his recent YONEX All England crown.
The world No.5 beat Asian Games champion Li Shi Feng 21-15 21-16 to retain Indonesia’s hold on the title, which was won last year by his compatriot Anthony Sinisuka Ginting.
“I played well throughout the championships, and I hope I can continue this good form into the Thomas Cup,” said Christie. “It was a very special experience for me to beat Li Shi Feng and Shi Yu Qi on their home court and I hope I can keep up this good form.”
China finished with three titles, through Wang Zhi Yi in women’s singles and Liang Wei Keng/Wang Chang in men’s doubles and Feng Yan Zhe/Huang Dong Ping in the mixed.
Wang Zhi Yi
Wang Zhi Yi broke a two-year spell of going without a major title – indeed, her last title win of this level was the Badminton Asia Championships in 2022.
Facing Chen Yu Fei, whom she hadn’t beaten in eight previous meetings, Wang won a close first game after which Chen’s challenge collapsed.
“The moment you get the championship is a feeling of release, because it is indeed very difficult. Also, I never beaten Chen Yu Fei. The breakthrough win is like a release. I feel like I did it, I can do it,” said the winner.
All England champions Baek Ha Na/Lee So Hee stopped home pair Zhang Shu Xian/Zheng Yu 23-21 21-12 to win Korea’s first title in the category since 2005.
“I’m glad that we won the Asian Championships in China beating Chinese players in the semifinals and finals,” said Lee So Hee. “I expected it to be a tough match beforehand, and I’m happy to win this difficult match.
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