Hong Kong Open 2017: Lee Chong Wei, Chen Long set for rematch of Rio Olympic final

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Lee Chong Wei and Chen Long are set for the Hong Kong Open final clash. (photo: AP)
Lee Chong Wei and Chen Long are set for the Hong Kong Open final clash. (photo: AP)

Hong Kong: It was the epic 2016 Rio Summer Olympics final that ended with disappointment again for Lee Chong Wei last August.

Chen Long eventually edged past Lee Chong Wei 21-18, 21-18 in the Rio Olympic final to win his first ever Olympic gold, while Lee had to settle for his third straight silver medal at the Olympics.

After more than a year since the Olympic final, both players are set for another showdown after winning their respective matches in the Hong Kong Open semi-finals on Saturday.

Lee won in style on Saturday at the Hong Kong Coliseum, as the Malaysian eighth seed was pouncing on No. 6 seed Shi Yuqi of China to break the Chinese player in 39 minutes en route to a 21-19, 21-8 victory.

The No. 5 seed Chen Long of China on the other hand, narrowly overcame Denmark’s youngster Anders Antonsen after the Dane showed great fight and determination to take his Chinese opponent to the distance before going down 14-21, 21-19, 17-21 in a marathon 87 minutes battle.

Lee who only won the All England title this year, has an excellent chance to end his season on a high if he could win the Hong Kong Open on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Hong Koong Open final will be Chen’s fourth final this season, after clinching last week’s China Open and the Asia Championships in April.

In men’s doubles final, No. 1 seeds Marcus Fernaldi Gideon/Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo of Indonesia will be looking to pocket their sixth Super Series title in 2017 by meeting No. 6 seeds Mads Conrad-petersen/Mads Pieler Kolding of Denmark on Sunday.

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