China had mixed luck on the final day of the BWF World Junior Championships 2019, winning two of four finals, with Lin Fang Ling completing a double.
Thailand (men’s singles), Japan (women’s singles) and Indonesia (men’s doubles) were triumphant in the other categories.
Feng Yan Zhe and Lin Fang Ling won the mixed doubles.
It was Lin Fang Ling’s day – the diminutive player was the standout in both her doubles finals. Lin, who was totally outplayed at the front in the team final match by her opposite number Indah Cahya Sari Jamil, didn’t concede an inch today when she and Feng Yan Zhe took on Leo Rolly Carnando and Indah Jamil. Lin dominated the exchanges at the net, and with the frustration building for the Indonesians, Feng and Lin were able to close out most rallies without much fuss.
The Indonesians never found rhythm. There was only one phase in the second game when they threatened to catch up, but the Chinese were able to keep a lid on the revival and close out the match 21-17 21-17.
In the second of the three China versus Indonesia finals, Lin returned for the women’s doubles with Zhou Xin Ru against Febriana Dwipuji Kusuma and Amalia Cahaya Pratiwi.
Lin Fang Lin and Zhou Xin Ru.
Lin showed her versatility with her energetic play from the back, while the lanky Zhou held fort at the net. Lin received medical attention to her shoulder late in the third game with the Indonesians making a last-ditch effort. She switched positions with Zhou and the Indonesian revival was cut short, the Chinese wrapped it up 22-20 11-21 21-14.
“I’m overwhelmed. We just stuck to our attacking game all the way. Chen Qing Chen got a double earlier (2014 & 2015), but I’m still far away from her level. We had lost the mixed doubles in the team event and today we tried to go in a bit more relaxed and that made the difference.”
Men’s doubles champions: Leo Rolly Carnando (right) and Daniel Marthin.
Indonesia salvaged a win in the men’s doubles. Leo Rolly Carnando and Daniel Marthin eked out a narrow 21-19 21-18 victory over defending champions Di Zi Jian and Wang Chang. It was only Indonesia’s first gold in men’s doubles after their victory in the inaugural edition of the World Junior Championships in 1992.
“I was hesitant and tense, because I would have questioned myself had I lost both finals,” said Carnando. “I feel happy to be the champion because Indonesia has not been able to win the junior world title in men’s doubles for a long time.”
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