Highlights Malaysia Superseries Premier, badminton scores and updates: Lin Dan, Tai Tzu Ying lift singles titles

The Lin Dan-Lee Chong Wei rivalry is also a great example of true sportsmanship!

Here are the results from the finals of the Malaysia Superseries Premier:

HAT-TRICK HEROES
Super Marcus and Kevin have won their THIRD Superseries title at the #MalaysiaSSP 21-14 14-21 21-12 #onaroll #Indonesia pic.twitter.com/UQ7TfmXCF5

— 🏆 Yonex All England Badminton Championships 🏆 (@YonexAllEngland) April 9, 2017

THEY HAVE CREATED HISTORY! 

#AllEnglandSSP ✅#IndiaSS ✅#MalaysiaSSP ✅
Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo and Marcus Fernaldi Gideon are triumphant again! pic.twitter.com/XqotrarH7O

— BAI Media (@BAI_Media) April 9, 2017

And they've done it again 😀😀@kevinnsanjaya and #MarcusFernadliGideon are on a roll!Congratulations 👏🏼#supermensdoublesplayers

— Ashwini Ponnappa (@P9Ashwini) April 9, 2017

Marcus Gideon/ Kevin Sanjaya lift their first Malaysia Open title

Indonesia’s Marcus and Kevin claim their third consecutive Superseries title with a 21-14, 14-21, 21-12 over China’s Haifeng and Zheng. Words can’t explain how brilliantly they have played. Their court coverage is just mesmerising! 

Marcus Gideon and Kevin Sanjaya lead 11-7 midway through the third game

(Update) Final-MD #MalaysiaSSP : Marcus Fernaldi Gideon/Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo (4) [INA] vs Fu Haifeng/Zheng Siwei [CHN] 21-14 14-21 11-7

— BADMINTON INDONESIA (@INABadminton) April 9, 2017

Fu Haifeng/ Zheng Siwei claim second game: 21-14

After a below average show in the first game, the Chinese duo took the second by storm and maintained the pressure throughout.

Marcus Gideon/ Kevin Sanjaya win first game: 21-14

The Indonesian pair has got the speed and power to fox the opponent on any given situation. Their movement and shot selection have caused a lot of problems on the other half of the court

Marcus Gideon/ Kevin Sanjaya vs Fu Haifeng/ Zheng Siwei 

The fourth seed Indonesian duo take on the unseeded Chinese pair for the first time in a competitive match. Well, there isn’t a better place to meet than the Malaysia Open final. Marcus and Kevin are on a roll after winning the All England Championships and successfully defending the Yonex-Sunrise India Open. But can Haifeng and Siwei upset the high-flying duo?

Yuki Fukushima/ Sayaka Hirota lift women’s doubles title: 21-17 18-21 21-12

The Chinese pair of Huang Yaqiong and Tang Jinhua was defeated in three games by the Japanese duo who claim their first ever Superseries win. Excellent domination of the baseline turned things around in the third game.

Yuki Fukushima/ Sayaka Hirota  1-1  Huang Yaqiong/ Tang Jinhua
​
Another interesting match elsewhere in the women’s doubles finals as the match enters its final game. Both pairs are playing brilliantly!

Indeed. What a stunning final this was! It was a treat to watch Carolina Marin and Tai Tzu Ying 

A valiant effort from Carolina Marin against the World No. 1 earns her a silver at #MalaysiaSSP. Well played! pic.twitter.com/cPS1rFKPLl

— Premier Badminton League (@PBLIndiaLive) April 9, 2017

Isn’t this is trademark celebration? 

After winning 44 matches in a row at Malaysia Open, Lee Chong Wei finally loses. Incredible run! Hadn't lost there since 2007!

— HK Vittinghus (@hkvittinghus) April 9, 2017

Lee Chong Wei did everything he can but didn’t live up to the expectations after squandering a six-point lead in the first game.

The celebration shows how much the title means to #LinDan. Won maiden #MalaysiaOpenSSP title. That too in eternal rival #LeeChongWei's home.

— Amit Kamath (@jestalt) April 9, 2017

BREAKING | SUPER DAN! Lin Dan beats Lee Chong Wei 21-19, 21-14 in today's 'Dream Final' at the Celcom Axiata Malaysia Open pic.twitter.com/AWFj8TyPxb

— 🏆 Yonex All England Badminton Championships 🏆 (@YonexAllEngland) April 9, 2017

25th victory for Lin Dan over his arch rival and World No. 1 Lee Chong Wei. What a phenomenon! #MalaysiaSSP Champion! pic.twitter.com/XsUyahVaQG

— BAI Media (@BAI_Media) April 9, 2017

So 36 matches completed between the two of the greatest players to step on a badminton court. Lin Dan has now won 25 with Lee Chong Wei 11.

LIN DAN BEATS LEE CHONG WEI: 21-19, 21-14

This means a lot to Lin Dan. Winner at 21-19, 21-14 in 55 minutes, the match didn’t go to three games as most would have wanted. But these two great warriors put up another intense battle.

AND LIN DAN HAS WON. TAKES OFF HIS SHIRT AND LIES DOWN ON THE COURT. IT’S HIS 1ST MALAYSIAN OPEN TITLE.

Lucky break at the net for Lin Dan as the shuttle just about rolls over and the Chinese gains control at 18-14.

The Malaysian fans aren’t giving up on Lee as they continuously cheer his name. He still trails by three points

14-17! Lee looking for a comeback in the second game but will he manage to do that?

And it’s 17-12 to Lin Dan off a wrong judgement call from Lee.

Now that’s a sharp move by Lee there. Hits it from near the neat to close the gap. Lin leads 15-12 in the second game

Lee cuts the scores down to 11-15. This part of the match is crucial to the Malaysian if he wants to stage a comeback now.

At 15-9, Lin Dan is surging ahead. Not too much physicality in today’s final. It’s all touch and deception.

And that’s 11-8 to Lin Dan at the midway mark. Like two heavyweight boxers, both are sparring with each other, trading punches, counter punches, jabs and a few sharp uppercuts. The one who drops his defence gives away points. Lin Dan is ahead 13-8. 

Some beautiful rallies on display between Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei. Lin ahead at the moment. #MalaysiaSSP

— BAI Media (@BAI_Media) April 9, 2017

10-8 to Lin Dan now as he looks comfortable after that long rally.

Fantastic rally of 52 shots. Lee did everything correct but then Lin Dan opened up the side court and smashed off an opening to lead 9-8.

And that’s 8 All. Lee bringing out his shots and using court craft to outwit Lin Dan.

Lin Dan increasing the pace and tempo of the game. Going for his shots early and getting Lee to make mistakes on the return and at the net. The Chinese leads 8-5.

7-5 to Lin Dan

Lee simply can’t afford errors at the moment. A mix of net plays and forehand drives can still cause problems for Lin

Beautiful over head cross court smash from Lee as scores get equalised 5-5.

Lee trails 3-5 in the second game. He allowed Lin to move freely at the start and that is coming back to haunt him. He needs to bank on his intelligent court movements to unsettle Lin

And that’s 5-1 to Lin Dan. The Chinese appears in control and looks calm.

Lin leads 3-1 in the second game. Will he outplay Lee to claim his first Malaysia Open title?

Lin Dan wins opening game 21-19 against Lee Chong Wei #MalaysiaSSP

LIVE: https://t.co/kM0FwPFqZm pic.twitter.com/yeEAGhme73

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) April 9, 2017

LIN DAN wins first game! 

And six straight points later, Lin Dan has taken the first game at 21-19.

Lee Chong Wei led 19-15 and Lin Dan showed why you can’t write him off, even in Malaysia. Lee took his foot of the pedal and now the Malaysian has to battle back and win two games.

And Lin Dan has levelled at 19 ALL. 

17-19 to Lin

Lin wins two points and tries to put a psychological pressure on his favourite opponent!

Four point lead for Lee. The court craft is back and helped a error from Lin Dan, it’s 19-15 to Lee.

18-14!

Lin Dan’s attempted lift was teed up nicely for Lee as he makes complete use of it. What a winner that was!

That was a great move from Lee. Taking him sideways and then smashing into the other corner. Lee leads 16-14. 

Badminton's greatest rivalry is back at #MalaysiaSSP as Lee Chong Wei takes on Lin Dan in the final. Who'll win this one?

— BAI Media (@BAI_Media) April 9, 2017

Lee leads 15-13 as he restricts Lin from playing drop shots from the forecourt. Can this approach take Lee to his 12th title?

Two point advantage for Lee as Lin Dan tries and closes down the mid court for the play to stretch. And that is a great smash and set up by the Chinese. It’s 12-13 and Lin Dan to serve.

Lin perfectly hits a backhand drive as Lee didn’t expect him to play that shot from the baseline. Lin trails 13-11 in the first game

What could be significant today is that Lee has beaten Lin Dan in the last three encounters. It could also be that Lee is fitter than Lin Dan at the moment. And that could tilt the balance in Lee’s favour.

Lee picks up the shuttle accurately from the edge of the backcourt but powers it wide to give Lin Dan a point. He still leads 12-10

After 40 shots, Lin Dan pushes one over the baseline. And Lee gains control at 12-7.

Lee Chong Wei leads 11-7 in the first game against Lin Dan #MalaysiaSSP

LIVE: https://t.co/kM0FwPnQ7O pic.twitter.com/0q73td3tvB

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) April 9, 2017

Fans have been lucky to see players of the calibre of Lee and Lin Dan. This rivalry is spoken of in the same breath as the Federer Vs Nadal.

Both Lee and Lin Dan kind of warming up, the shuttle being stretched across the court and the net. Lee leading 8-6. 

Super Dan smashes one down Lee’s left tramline to make it 6-7! Both legends look in great touch

ARGUABLY THE BEST IN BADMINTON!

One of the biggest rivalries at the Olympics. 🏸 @bwfmedia @LeeChongWei pic.twitter.com/3A3SkeXrFY

— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) April 4, 2017

Lee with a superb forehand shot to take the lead. 5-4 to the World no. 1

Both still appear super fit. And with the scores at 4-4, this appears to be going the right way.

Both have acknowledged that they are probably playing their last year on tour unless something extraordinary happens. The last encounter was won by Lee at the Rio Olympics 15-21, 21-11, 22-20.

All warmed up n ready to watch #Lindan vs #LeeChongWei #MalaysiaSSP

— Kashyap Parupalli (@parupallik) April 9, 2017

This is their 36th encounter across the courts in almost every badminton playing nation in the world. But for the first time, they meet in Malaysia. Lin Dan has won 24 and Lee 11.

Lee Chong Wei vs Lin Dan

And the men’s singles final that every Malaysian and world badminton fan has been waiting for is here – LEE CHONG WEI VS LIN DAN.  
Both in their mid 30’s would love to win this tournament, especially ‘Super Dan’

This girl is playing on another level! Tai Tzu Ying follows up her #AllEnglandSSP triumph by clinching the #MalaysiaSSP title.

— Premier Badminton League (@PBLIndiaLive) April 9, 2017

Tai Tzu Ying beats Marin to claim 4th Superseries title in a row

Tai Tzu Ying has beaten the Olympic Champion 23-25, 22-20, 21-13 to clinch her second Super Series Premier title of the year. Earlier, she had won the All England Championships.

For Carolina Marin, the Olympic Champion and the World Champion, this is a second consecutive defeat after losing to PV Sindhu in the India Open final.

MATCH POINT! 

And that’s MATCH POINT for the Chinese Taipei ace. 20-13.  

18-12

A run of six straight points puts Tai in cruise control of the third game. Will Marin bounce back?

That’s a sensational cross court drop shot from Tai as she leads 17-12. 

Tense situation right now. But the last winning point for Tai was brilliant. A smash converted into a delicate drop!

At 16-12, Tai has a four point advantage. Can this lead be maintained?

15-12!

Tai Tzu fakes a forehand drive and drops it near Marin’s half of the court. It takes courage to execute a shot like that during crunch situations.

12-12!  

Tai appears a bit flat in the 3rd game; a few of her defensive shots lacking intensity and the body language a little way off.

Third game to decide the winner!

Error from Marin near the net. 12-11 to Tai Tzu in the third game.

Four straight points and Tai leads 11-10. The game still wide open as a barn door. 

Both the players have to be precise. No more room for errors and flashy shots. And Tai pulls out a drop that is as delicate as decisive. Marin is ahead 9-7.

Now that was the best drop shot of the tournament. Tai should now stay near the baseline to attack more as she trails 7-8 in the final game

That’s Tai’s first serve in the match going over the base-line. At 6-6, this could be brutal on both the players who are mixing up shots and trying to keep level with each other. 

5-5! Both Marin and Tai are looking to hit the final nail as the third game will decide the Malaysia Open winner. Not to forget, Tai has won it once in 2013 whereas Marin is yet to taste victory here.

Marin leading 4-2 with a show of aggression, unleashing consecutive smashes and then a deceptive drop at the net. 

The crafty Tai Tzu Ying bounces back. Takes the second game 22-20 against Carolina Marin. This is a thriller! #MalaysiaSSP

— Premier Badminton League (@PBLIndiaLive) April 9, 2017

20-20! WHAT’S HAPPENING?

Three game points have gone. And Marin has equalised at 20 ALL. 

Cross court smash has Tai get another GAME POINT AT 21-20.

Tai can’t kill an easy shot at the net and it’s still game point at 19-20. Only one game point remains for Tai. 

GAME POINT FOR TAI: 20-17

Marin struggling with her shot selection here. Tai is moving swiftly near the tramlines

17-19! Marin pulls one back as Tai’s simple lob goes wide

Advantage with Tai once again like in the first game but can she force her way through at 19-16.

Rallies have got shorter. Usually this happens when the players are tired. But Marin knows that longer rallies also mean Tai has the option to display her shot selection. It’s 16-15 to Tai..

IT’S 14-14! END-TO-END STUFF

Carolina Marin clinches the opening game 25-23 against Tai Tzu Ying and is ahead 13-12 in the second. What a match this is! #MalaysiaSSP

— Premier Badminton League (@PBLIndiaLive) April 9, 2017

Perfectly executed drop there by Tai to level the scores at 13-13. Tai is a step ahead when it comes to net plays and she should continue to pull Marin near the forecourt.

The second game not rising to the same level as the first one. Punctuated by errors from Tai, Marin is tightening her control as she leads 13-12.

Tai Tzu on front foot: 11-10

At the midway mark, it’s Tai leading 11-10. Significant also was that the umpire refused to have the court mopped when Marin requested. The Spaniard has been guilty of time wasting between points. 

Suddenly a slew of errors from Tai as Marin equalises at 10 ALL. Five straight points for Marin. She is a fighter, isn’t she?

Tai slowly trying to gain control and not commit the same errors. More control being shown in mid court by Tai as she leads 10-6.

Yet another neck and neck battle. Surprisingly, both have slowed the pace a bit. After the frenetic first game, it will take a few more points to pick up pace. Tai leads 6-5. 

It will be interesting to see if there are any tactical changes in Tai’s game. One could, however, see the World No.1 move around the shuttle more. At the moment, Marin leads 3-2.

It’s 1-1 as the second game gets underway. Marin looks to target the right tramline of Tai’s side of the court as it will be easier for her since she is a left-hander.

Marin claims first game: 25-23

Two consecutive smashes and Carolina Marin has taken the OPENING GAME 25-23 in 32 minutes of some highly engrossing badminton.

Their last meeting at the Hong Kong Open had gone to three games with Tai winning. Though there Tai had won the first game.

Carolina Marin wins the first game 25-23 after trailing 1-7 against Tai Tzu Ying #MalaysiaSSP

LIVE: https://t.co/kM0FwPnQ7O pic.twitter.com/27CGlr4wg1

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) April 9, 2017

4th GAME POINT for the Spaniard now. Will she make use of it?

23-23! Will this even end? 

Engrossing battle this. It’s back to equal terms and looks like it could go on and on. 

23-22! Tai Tzu smashes twice to take the lead in the first game. Marin lost her control near the net on both the occasions.

That was so special. Lovely cross court dipping smash from Tai at it’s back to 22-22.

22-21 and a third GAME POINT opportunity for Marin in the first game.

And that’s second game point opportunity for the second seed Marin. This is exciting!

That’s GAME POINT FOR MARIN. Huge serve for the Spaniard.

OH. OH…you can’t write off Tai so soon. Lovely drop and it’s 20-20.

After a challenge from Marin, it’s 19 all and the furious battle for the first game is on.

Great mix from Marin – power and soft touch all together to lead 19-18.

18-18! Tai hits back with a cheeky cross court drive to bring the scores level after Marin won six points on the trot. Marin was caught near the baseline, trying to play defensive returns.

Slight bout of nerves for Tai probably, sending a shot over the sideline. Marin has a two point lead at 18-16.

Marin does what she does well! Tai was completely outplayed with that tiring rally as Marin smashes one down to court to level the scores at 16-16.

That’s a 29 shot rally, showing the entire range of baseline shots. Marin comes closer at 15-16.

14-16! Marin wins two points on the trot to out some pressure on the World no. 1

Beautiful shot from Tai. Surely, she is raising the levels now and the lead could be crucial at this stage at 16-12.

What a contest this is turning out to be! 

Carolina Marin goes on and on! The Spaniard will meet Chinese Taipei's Tai Tzu Ying in #MalaysiaSSP Final. Get ready for a thriller! pic.twitter.com/TilAgqJVFq

— Premier Badminton League (@PBLIndiaLive) April 8, 2017

The deceptive shots are on and a half smash gets Tai the point. Marin, on the other hand, slightly error prone. Tai leads 14-12.

13-12! This is the third time that Tai has put her shot wide. She is trying to push Marin towards the backcourt but ends up gifting a point. Will Marin fight back?

Tai Tzu leads 11-9 at first game interval

It’s interesting that Tai uses the high toss serve to the baseline when she is cornered a bit or the lead is cut down. Invariably, she wins a point.

The drift has been an issue at this Malaysian Open final with players saying that forehands are sailing wide. And with just a point lead for Tai at 10-9, this will be a close game.

9-9! Now that’s some comeback from the Spanish ace as she was trailing by 1-7 at one point. Tai needs to maintan the pressure now

Edgy battle at the Malaysian Open final as Tai trying to control the play with Marin hitting the sidelines. It’s a two point lead for Tai at 9-7.

Tai Tzu is brilliantly keeping Marin on her toes but puts too much power in that shot. Still she leads 8-6

Contrasting characters both these players. Marin the more vocal on court to the emotionless Tai. The Chinese Taipei player still leads 8-5.

Marin wins three consecutive points to make it 4-7 against an attacking Tai. It is surprising to see Marin defend from the start of the first game.

Players usually clamp up in a final, especially in a prestigious final like the Malaysian Open. But for fans it would be wonderful if both these players show their full range of strokes.

Tai moving ahead and quite fast at 7-1. Marin has quite some catching up to do.

Tai, largely an unpredictable player is however hugely creative on the court using her deception to confuse opponents. 

Tai Tzu takes a 2-0 lead in the first game against Marin. Looks like she will cover the baseline

Tai only recently won the All England Championships while Marin hasn’t won a Super Series in the last 16 months.

Crucial aspect of their rivalry is that Tai has won the last two encounters at the China and Hong Kong Open, both in 2016. 

Tai Tzu Ying. the World No.1 ready to take on the World and Olympic Champion Carolina Marin in the women’s singles of the Malaysian Open Super Series Premier Tournament.

Carolina Marin vs Tai Tzu Ying

Both Marin and Tai Tzu will be squaring off for the eight time in a competitive match. However, the second seed Marin has the edge over Tai as she leads 4-3 in the head-to-head meetings between the two. The Spaniard has successfully reached her second consecutive Superseries tournament after losing in the India Open final against PV Sindhu on 2 April. On the other hand, Tai Tzu decided to skip India Open after winning the All England title in order to be fit for the Malaysia Open. It’s the World. no 1 against the World no. 3. Who will win this?

Hello and welcome to Firstpost’s live coverage of the Malaysia Open finals featuring two big clashes as Carolina Marin takes on Tai Tzu Ying and Lee Chong Wei squares off against Lin Dan for the third time in the men’s singles final. Make sure you follow our live updates and cheer for your favourite shuttler!