ASEAN Games Australia 2013 badminton: Malaysian Daniel Wu reigning singles champ but loses in doubles
IT was a rather sociable ASEAN Games Australia 2013 for Malaysian badminton player Daniel Wu as he successfully defended his men’s singles title, but couldn’t do the same for his doubles title. Leon Saw reports.
Defending badminton champion Daniel Wu secures the Men’s Singles title for a second year at the ASEAN Games. Photo: Syaza M Shakharulain
ASEAN Games Australia 2012 badminton men’s singles champion, Daniel Wu, successfully defended his title by overcoming compatriot, Clement Ho, in the finals, 21 – 10, 21 – 19.
The 22-year-old Malaysian, an aviation student at Swinburne University of Technology, had a stellar run to the finals, only dropping a set in his semi-final match.
As expected, Daniel had the momentum in the first set of the finals, while Clement struggled to build any and lost 21 – 10. Clement put up more of a fight in the second set though, pressuring Daniel throughout the set and pushing him right to the very end. However, it was Daniel’s day and he pipped Clement to the post 21 – 19, winning his second ASEAN Games Australia badminton men’s singles title.
Although it seemed like Daniel had a relatively easy time on the court this year, he insisted it was anything but.
“It was definitely harder than last year,” he said.
“This year’s competition was harder because there were some really good players from Philippines in the tournament.”
Not that he was out to win.
“I’m just here to socialise,” he said.
“You know, see all my friends, and meet new people.”
Photo: Syaza M Shakharulain
Men’s Doubles. Daniel Wu (foreground left) and partner Paul Lee lost to Clement and Roy Tan in a thrilling three-set match. Photo: Syaza M Shakharulain
While Daniel’s singles title defence was a success, he couldn’t recapture his ASEAN Games Australia badminton men’s doubles title. Clement and Roy Tan wrested it from him and his partner, Paul Lee, in a thrilling three-set match, 21 – 8, 15 – 21, 22 – 20.
The match went right down to the wire with both teams winning a set each and trading point for point during the third set, before Clement and Roy ultimately prevailed in a tiebreak.
Still, Daniel was philosophical about the loss.
“It’s alright,” he said.
“We’re all friends here and it’s just for fun.”
“I play with these guys at least three times a week anyway,” he added.
The Women’s and Mixed events
Photo: Syaza M Shakharulain
Thailand’s Varaporn Techavinyoonont took out the women’s singles title and then with partner Christina Chai, the doubles one.
The mixed doubles event was a Vietnamese show with two Vietnamese teams battling for the title.
In the end, the team of Huong Vang and Tuan Le beat An Pham and Hop Nguyen, 21 – 15, 21 – 9.