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Gong Steer China to Uber Cup Reigning
Gong Zhichao put the final beyond doubts with a straight-set win over world champion Camilla Martin to steer the overwhelming defending champions China to reign the Uber Cup trophy following a 3-0 thrash of Denmark on Saturday here at the Putra Stadium.
The final game served only for the Chinese to stamp their domination in the world women's badminton as China kept an unbeaten record by winning 21 games straightly and surrendered just one set in the competition.
China initiated a campaign to revitalize their record five- consecutive-time victory of the Uber Cup from 1984-1992 as no challengers to their dominance are expected in the near future.
"China will keep their domination in 10 years time," said Danish coach Kenneth Larsen. "They are at the higher level than the others. We'll go back to find the way to get closer to them." Chinese coach Li Yongbo said, "We'd like to be in the driving seat as long as possible, but we'll be well prepared every time."
Fully awarded the title is untouchable before the final, Denmark could not be more happy if Martin could steal a point from Gong, winner of the All-England and Japan Open this year, on the first singles.
Several minutes into the first game, however, Camilla, the world champion and world No.1 player, found herself stumble on Gong's lobs and all she could do in the remaining game was to catch up Gong's pace.
Gong, the best defensive shuttler in the world, was never in a hurry to smash Camilla away, keeping her opponent running around for her 11-9, 11-6 victory. Camilla, who beat Gong only one time at the Copenhagen Masters final in December 1997, when she won 12- 11, 12-10, was succumbed to find her attacking power before she struck the shuttle to the net twice to lose the first set, 11-9.
The second set was more lop-sided and Gong extended her record against Camilla to 4-1 following the win. World No.1 pair Ge Fei and Gu Jun were unbeatable for Helene Kirkegaard and Rikke Olsen, who lost every time in their previous 12 meetings, all in straight sets, and it was the case again in Saturday's 13th tie.
Kirkegaar/Olsen showed no sign to upturn the winless streak as the Danes lost 15-2, 15-9. Dai Yun, finalist of the world champion last May by beating Mette Sorensen 2-0, succumbed Sorensen for the third time to give the victory to China, 11-8, 11-1.
Dai wrapped up the one-sided tie with a elegant lob near the net after Pedersen stretched out for a save but failed to touch the shuttle.
"The Chinese are technical better than us. There are lots of things we could learn from them," said Larsen. But the Danes were not too upset with their loss as both the men's and women's teams stormed into the semi-finals.
"We didn't expect to make the final in the Uber Cup. It's a big success for the Danish badminton."
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