Singapore shuttle ace Loh Kean Yew ends title drought with Madrid Spain Masters win

Loh Kean Yew defeated Toma Junior Popov of France 21-11, 15-21, 22-20 to win the Madrid Spain Masters men's singles title. - PHOTO: EPA-EFE vis The Straits Times/ANN

SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/ANN): As his 18-14 lead turned into an 18-19 deficit in the decider of the Madrid Spain Masters men’s singles final, Loh Kean Yew feared the worst.

In the past 27 months, he had reached five finals, winning none. It looked like history would repeat itself against Frenchman Toma Junior Popov, who had been unbeaten in 12 singles finals at the senior level.