PETALING JAYA: From watching the All-England during the Covid-19 pandemic from the quiet confines of his home to finally winning it – fortunes have certainly changed for Taiwan’s Lin Chun-yi.
The 26-year-old was in disbelief after defeating India’s Lakshya Sen 21-15, 22-20 to become his country’s first men’s singles champion at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham on Sunday.
"I remember during Covid, I watched my teammates compete at this tournament (2020)," said world No. 11 Chun-yi.
"I was excited, and from watching it to now being able to play in it and win feels like a dream come true. It’s unbelievable.
Chun-yi and world No. 12 Lakshya were surprise finalists in the competition, but the former's stamina and mental strength gave him the extra edge to seal the title.
"It’s an incredible feeling. I never expected myself to win, even from the start of the tournament," said Chun-yi.
"It’s hard to believe and still feels like a blur to me."
The Super 750 Indian Open winner admitted that his physical strength was at its limits after a long week competing in Birmingham, especially drained after his one hour and 18 minutes semi-final win against Thailand’s former world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn.
"I was very tired but I have been in these high-pressure situations before. I followed my coaches advice and I’m happy that I kept pushing and never quit."
Earlier, compatriots Ye Hong Wei-Nicole Chan defeated fifth seed French pair Thom Gicquel-Delphine Delrue 21-19, 21-19 to become their first mixed doubles All-England winners.
The trio have now joined former women’s singles player Tai Tzu-ying, who won in 2017, 2018, and 2020, as the only All-England champions from Taiwan previously.
