Chong Wei subdues Chen Long to win Malaysian Open title

epa05252416 Le Chong Wei of Malaysia celebrates after winning against Cheng Long (not pictured) of China during their men's single final match of Celcom-Axiata Malaysia Open Badminton tournament in Shah Alam near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 10 April 2016. EPA/FAZRY ISMAIL

SHAH ALAM: It couldn’t have been any easier for Lee Chong Wei.

The world No. 4 won a record 11th Celcom Axiata Malaysian Open in emphatic style – handing China’s world No. 1 Chen Long a 21-13, 21-8 drubbing at the Malawati Stadium.

The 33-year-old Chong Wei, thus, ends the tournament without dropping a single game – proving that he’s still the undisputed king on home ground.

With defending champion Chen Long struggling to adapt to the draught, Chong Wei built up a massive 18-8 lead before taking the game 21-13.

It got even easier in the second game as reigning world champion Chen Long made a string of errors and appeared to have given up on the match.

Chong Wei needed no second invitation as he dropped just seven points before sealing the crown in 42 minutes.

“I didn’t expect to win in straight games, especially with such a huge lead in the second game,” said Chong Wei.

“After taking the first game, I grew confident and the game just got faster as I attacked all the way.

“It’s nice to win my 11th title here, especially since I didn’t do so well in my last two tournaments.

“I know I get a lot of criticism when I play poorly ... but I also know my targets and my focus on the Rio de Janeiro Olympics (in August) has never wavered.

“This win has restored my confidence ... I’m more fired up than ever for the Olympics.”

Chong Wei will now switch his attention to the Asia Badminton Championships (ABC) in Wuhan from April 26-May 1.

Chen Long, who has not won a title since the Denmak Open last October, was not too concerned with the loss.

“It’s not easy playing Chong Wei in Malaysia. This was the first time I’ve played on the main court ... I couldn’t control the shuttle well,” said the 27-year-old two-time world champion.

“The loss is not a big issue ... it’s an Olympic year and we have many more tournaments.

“I am glad to have the chance to face Chong Wei here ... it’s something the supporters can enjoy.”

In men’s doubles, South Korea’s Kim Gi-jung-Kim Sa-rang downed China’s Chai Biao-Hong Wei 21-19, 21-15 for the title.

It ended South Korea’s seven-year drought at the Malaysian Open. Jung Jae-sung-Lee Yong-dae were the last Korean pair to win the title here in 2009.