Guo & Li secure third successive title (2013 Paris)

Guo Yue and Li Xiaoxia have captured the women’s doubles World Championships title for third successive time as they defeated Ding Ning and Liu Shiwen 4-1 (5-11, 11-5, 11-7, 11-5, 11-7) here in Paris. 

After winning in 2009 and 2011, now 2013 brings a third gold medal running for Guo and Li. It was a performance that showcased their confidence in this competition, as Ding and Liu found out. It was a strong end to the Paris campaign for Li separately as she won the women’s singles gold in yesterday’s action. For Ding , this was the silver medal for three consecutive occasions having previously won silver with Guo Yan in 2009 and 2011.

Struse overcomes Yu challenge (1993 Gothenburg)

Germany’s Nicole Struse did very well to beat the speed of DPR Korea’s Yu Sun-bok, as she coasted to a 3-0 (21-15, 21-12, 21-13) win.

It was a good performance by Struse who was very powerful in her attack and showcased a rare sight of a European seeing off North Korean athlete at the World Championships. It needed her very best as Struse was on the backhand at most of the times when Yu pushed her to the edge – but the German was up for the challenge! 

Bădescu causes major ripple (1993 Gothenburg)

Otilia Bădescu has caused a major upset here in Gotherburg as she beat Singapore’s Jin Jung Hong in a 3-2 (21-17, 22-20, 19-21, 13-21, 21-19) win. 

Using a right hand, shake hands, short pimples both side, against Jin,who had top spin both sides this was a strange move by the Romanian which saw her style being based on more Asian than European athletes. Jin’s performances in this tournament have been spectacular as she saw off China’s Deng Yaping – 1991 champion in Chiba – in the previous round. For Bădescu, this is certainly a strong result and one she won’t forget soon.