Xinpeng’s dream run ends in final

BANGKOK, JULY 11: Unseeded Ji Xinpeng’s dream run in the Thailand Open Badminton Championships ended today when he lost the men’s final in straight sets to fellow Chinese Chen Gang. World No. 9 Chen’s well-rounded game proved too much for Ji, who had been the surprise of the tournament. He was beaten 15-12 15-6.

World No 2 and top seed Dai Yun of China captured the women’s singles title when she defeated second-seeded compatriot Gong Ruinna 11-6 11-5.

The first set of the men’s final saw a hard fight with Ji twice clawing back into contention to 5-7 and 10-11. But Chen’s experience and smashes got the better of Ji.

Dai took a 4-0 lead in the first set of the women’s final before Gong fought back to 5-4. But Dai regained the initiative with fierce smashes that troubled her opponent throughout the match.