Badminton’s first $1 million-plus tournament, the Korean Open, ended in a near clean-sweep for China, led by Olympic and ex-world champion Lin Dan.
The Chinese team lifted four of the five titles on finals day on Sunday, highlighted by Lin’s victory over his old foe Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia.
Lin won 21-19 14-21 21-16 to take his career record over the world number one to 15-7 in major tournaments, including victories in the Beijing Olympics and Asian Games finals.
In-form Lee had come to Seoul after stunning successes this month in the Super Series finals in Taiwan and the Malaysian Open but once again Lin proved his downfall on the big occasion.
China also won the women’s singles, doubles and mixed doubles. The men’s doubles went to Korean favourites Jung Jae-sung and Lee Yong-dae.
Total prize money at the tournament was a record $1.2 million. The Korean Open, one of the five new Super Series Premier tournaments, is followed by the All England championships in Birmingham in March.
