China, India seal Asian badminton team titles
China's men's team were crowned winners of the Badminton Asia Team Championships after they dispatched Malaysia 3-0 in a one-sided final Sunday.
India ousted Thailand 3-2 to claim the women's title.
China came without their top superstars, such as Shi Yu Qi and Li Shi Feng, who are ranked among the world's top three men's singles and second-ranked men's doubles pair Liang Wei Keng-Wang Chang.
Despite that, they were far too superior for the rest having beaten Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, South Korea and finally Malaysia on their home turf.
Against the host, China took the lead through Weng Hong Yang, who ousted Leong Jun Hao 21-19, 21-17 in 51 minutes.
Leong was only playing in the first singles in the absence of world number 10 Lee Zii Jia, who missed out again due to a sinus issue.
China doubled their lead through first doubles pair Xie Hao Nan-Zeng Wei Han, who came away winners after a pulsating 21-16, 16-21, 23-21 victory over world number five duo Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik.
China sealed the maiden Asian team title through second singles Lei Lan Xi, who needed 38 minutes to dispose of Eogene Ewe 21-10, 21-14.
The 26-year-old Lei said China's victory was a great achievement for their young squad.
«We are thrilled to win this team event with this group of players,» he said adding the win had given the team «a great sense of accomplishment and encouragement to keep up this performance to be selected in future team events».
The Indian women's team also had their young prodigy to thank after Anmol Kharb
