Marin’s memorable comeback win marred by Akane’s injury

PETALING JAYA: Spain’s Carolina Marin shed tears of joy after winning the women’s singles title despite via an anticlimatic final in the All-England.

It was a very meaningful win for Marin as it was her second title in the prestigious tournament after nine years.

The 2016 Rio Olympics gold medallist was trailing 17-20 in the first game against Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi but showed great fighting spirit and determination to come back to win 26-24 at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham yesterday.

In the second game, Yamaguchi was forced to retire while trailing 1-11 after suffering a hip injury.

Marin, who had her own injury problems in the past, was sorry to see her opponent concede the match but was pleased with her win.

“I want to thank Yamaguchi for an amazing game,” said Marin.

“I want to congratulate her and I’m sorry that she got injured. I wish her a speedy recovery.

“It’s been nine years... now I’m back winning this title and I’m extremely happy. It means a lot to me as it has been a really tough week.

“I had many things to improve and I’m proud of myself,” added Marin.

It was the decorated Spaniard’s first title of the year in only her second tournament.

Meanwhile, South Korea’s Baek Ha-na-Lee So-hee clinched the women’s doubles title after a hard fought 21-19, 11-21, 21-17 victory over Japan’s Nami Matsuyama-Chiharu Shida in a marathon match lasting 90 minutes.