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Chinese spring blossoms in World Juniors finals
November 04, 2000 - Source : IBF
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 Bao Chunlai's name couldn't be worn any more accurately than yesterday: In Chinese language, it means literally "the announcement of arrival of the spring". The spring of Chinese badminton which showed to the face of the world that Bao and compatriots would not let anyone get their hands on the titles of the World Junior Championships.
It took six days of hard work to succeed - Bao (pictured) did not participate in China's victory in the team event. And there he was, standing on the top tier of the podium, already getting annoyed for the hundredth time he was asked to remain still for the picture of another Chinese photographer. He well deserved to rest after his final against the young Indonesian Sony Dwi Kuncoro.
The final of the men's singles was the very last one of the evening in the almost full Tian He Sport Centre. And it was by far the match which was played in the most exciting atmosphere. For this match only, the crowd didn't have to share their cheering for both sides, as all other finals featured Chinese against Chinese. But for this one, everyone shouted their encouragement to the tall lefthander Bao Chunlai.
In the first two games, Bao was in total control. With a way of moving and placing his racket which is so characteristic of lefthanders, Bao drove Kuncoro crazy with his sliced fast drop shots. The Indonesian could bring back the first one, the second one barely by diving on the ground, but had to let the shuttle die on the ground when Bao played this shot three times in a row. The Chinese did this trick over and over, along with last minute changes of rhythm for offensive clears, to win 7/1, 7/5.
Always full of concentration, always remaining quiet and not showing any sign of anger - which will be a great strength in the future - the Indonesian got back into the match, with inspired defensive shots after he knew how to read Bao's game better. With a very nice touch play, the Indonesian (pictured) also placed some fast attacks which surprised his opponent, enabling him to win the third game 7/1 and lead in the fourth 4/0.
But Bao didn't make the same mistake as the previous day against Lin Dan when he had completely lost concentration and lost 14 points in a row. Once he started to come back, the public went wild, shouting "sha" - kill! - each time the shuttle was up on Bao's side. And indeed, each time, the 1.86 metres Chinese boy found some mysterious angle to kill it - all the way to the end. Letting all his nerves take over after the match was finished, Bao threw his racket on the ground breaking it in pieces before barely shaking hand with a disappointed Dwi Kuncoro. Final score: 7/1, 7/5, 1/7, 7/5.
"I am very pleased with what the kids have shown on court throughout these two weeks and I must say that some of the juniors that competed here might be more talented than today's best seniors Chinese at their age. But I don't know yet who will go to the National Training Centre," said Li Yongbo (pictured), head coach of China's Badminton Association.
"Most of the to Chinese Juniors usually play better than what they have shown on court, because they can't really handle the pressure yet. This is why this competition was so important. For the experience rather than the result," added Li.
On the other teams level, China's head coach also explained that he was happily surprised by the Indonesian men singles and Korean ladies singles. "They might be the future competitors for our girls," said Li Yongbo.
However, it isn't quite yet the time for anyone but China to claim anything in the women's event. Wei Yan opposed compatriot and friend Wang Rong in the final of the women's singles. And the number two seed showed the "Wei" to go! In no time, she once again proved her superiority. After a 7/3, 7/0, 7/2 win in 29 minutes, she was raising the many superb trophies China would win during the evening (pictured in the middle of other team mates). "I usually beat her in training, but I think it was easier today because of her ankle injury. It might have been a different story if I had to play Ju Yin instead," said shyly the new world princess Wei Yan.
Sang Yang and Zhang Yawen were the two other big winners of the evening. Each of them will go back with two world titles after yesterday's finals. In the women's doubles, there wasn't much of a fight after the loss of the first game for Wei Yili and Zhang Yawen. With their usual combination of Wei's power in the rear court and Zhang quickness at the net, the top seeded pair won in four games, 4/7, 72/, 7/0, 7/1. In mixed doubles, Zhang Yawen was as explosive and quick at the net with partner Sang Yang. They beat top seeds Wei/Zheng in three games only, even if the last one could have gone the other way on many occasions.
But Zheng Bo would have another chance to become a World Junior Champion in the the men's doubles, which once again proved to be one of the most exciting events. Compatriots Xie and Cao put up a great fight to the public's delight. Except for the third game which was all Xie and Cao's, the three others looked exactly the same, making the crowd mumble and laugh. Each time, Zheng and Sang would have a terrific start in the game, leading 6/1. And each time their opponents would catch up to 5/6 before losing the last point for a final victory for Zheng/Sang 7/5, 1/7, 7/5, 7/5.
Just about all other players that had participated in these World Juniors Championships could only enjoy the show in the public and agree that the Chinese were just too strong for the rest of the world this time. The hosts of the next edition in 2002 haven't been decided yet - the decision should come within the next few weeks - but no matter what, the players of the "Country of the middle" as means the translation of China (Zhong Guo) will look forward to defending their well deserved titles. |
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