Kaohsiung: The 2024 Kaohsiung Masters finals took place on Sunday, with Taiwan’s men’s singles player Lee Chia Hao defeating Malaysia’s sixth seed Cheam June Wei 21-15, 21-12 to claim his first BWF tour title.
Highlights of Cheam June Wei vs. Lee Chia Hao in the 2024 Kaohsiung Masters final:
The 25-year-old Lee Chia Hao, currently ranked 31st in the world, needed 31 minutes to overcome World No. 61 Cheam June Wei who had recently won the “Lin Dan Cup” Shenzhen Badminton Open last week, taking home USD $7500.
The first game started with both players exchanging points, but Lee Chia Hao gradually found his rhythm and entered the interval with an 11-8 lead. He maintained steady play, forcing numerous errors from Cheam June Wei, and secured the first game.
In the second game, the two players were neck and neck. After a 6-6 tie, Lee Chia Hao attempted to widen the gap. Leading 10-9, he capitalized on a lucky net shot to enter the interval. After the break, Lee Chia Hao continued his momentum, launching a 6-0 run to extend his advantage and secure the championship in straight sets. Upon winning, he fell to the ground, covering his face with his hands in an emotional display.
Lee Chia Hao’s best performance this season was reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open Super 500 tournament.
This match was the sixth career meeting between Cheam June Wei and Lee Chia Hao, with Cheam suffering his fourth defeat and second consecutive loss to the Taiwanese player.
In men’s doubles, Taiwan’s Chang Ko-Chi/Chen Xin-Yuan beat compatriots Chen Zhi Ray/Lin Yu Chieh 19-21, 21-16, 22-20 for the title.
The women’s singles second seed Hsu Wen Chi also saw off teammate and third seed Pai Yu Po 22-20, 21-18 in the final.
Meanwhile, Ruttanapak Oupthong/Jhenicha Sudjaipraparat of Thailand and Jesita Putri Miantoro/Febi Setianingrum of Indonesia won the mixed doubles and women’s doubles titles respectively.
