China’s Li Shifeng powers to historic Malaysia Masters crown, Wang makes it double delight
Li becomes first Chinese player do win men’s singles since tournament began, Wang Zhiyi successfully defends women’s title
China’s Li Shifeng clinched his maiden Malaysia Masters title with a 21-11, 21-9 win over India’s K Srikanth in the men’s singles final on Sunday.
In doing so, the 25-year-old became the first Chinese badminton player to win the men’s singles title since the tournament’s inception in 2009, breaking his streak of semi-final exits this season.
The world No 4 dominated all aspects of the game, from power and net play to precise strokes, leaving no room for Srikanth to make any inroads.
Li wrapped up the match in just 36 minutes, completing a flawless run where he didn’t drop a single game all week.
“I didn’t even realise I’d be the first,” Li said. “I’d always stopped at the semi-finals in past tournaments [this year], so to finally break through feels like a release -- a kind of liberation.
“While the results look smooth, none of them were easy. Every men’s singles player is strong, and every match needs full preparation. This win is an encouragement, but I know I still have a long way to go before competing consistently at the top.”