Zhang Nan and Zhao Yunlei win China Open mixed doubles title

Zhang Nan and Zhao Yunlei

Fuzhou, China, 16 Nov 2014

No. 1 seeded pair of Zhang Nan and Zhao Yunlei won the $700,000 China Open Superseries. The Chinese duo defeated the Korean pair of Yoo Yeon Seong and Eom Hye Won 23-25, 21-14, 21-18.

Koreans were on a dream run

The Korean pair had had a dream run having gone through the qualifying rounds and reaching the final against all odds. In the final they proved their run was no fluke and fully deserved their chance at the tile.

In the first game in the final they didn't allow an inch of space to the Chinese pair and kept fighting neck to neck with them. Their scores remained within 3 points of each other. From 17-all each pair kept leading the other alternatively. But the Koreans took matters into their hands at 23-23 to win the next two points and win the game 25-23.

Shift in momentum

Second game was a complete contrast to the first where the Chinese pair completely dominated the Koreans. Barring an occasion of trailing 4-5, the Chinese pair always led the Koreans. From 13-12 they reached 21-14 in no time, firing 6 straight points in the process.

Third game was a repeat of the second. Korean pair looked clueless while the Chinese pair dominated the rallies. They led the game from start head into the break leading 11-5.

The Koreans managed to stage a fight, levelling the game at 17-all. But their progress was halted by the Chinese who took the game 21-18.