It was a big day for the Koreans, winning two of the five titles, as powerhouse China managed just one podium finish in the Yonex-Sunrise India Open Super Series tournament on Sunday.
Shon Wan Ho was the hero of the day, pulling off a stunning victory against world No 1 Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia and ensuring his qualification for the London Olympics. The Korean has beaten the likes of Peter Gade, P Kashyap and Tommy Sugiarto in this tournament.
Shon is currently ranked 17th, which will change once the new rankings are released on May 3, and he will be the second Korean to have qualified for London in the men's singles.The Korean women's doubles pair of Kyung Eun Jung and Ha Na Kim also became the second pair to secure their place in the 2012 Games after winning the title at the Siri Fort Sports Complex. Incidentally, this is Shon and Jung/Kim's first Super Series title.
Shon looked in command against LCW (as the Malaysian is popularly known) and held his nerve in the final moments to win 21-18, 14-21, 21-19.
{{/usCountry}}Shon looked in command against LCW (as the Malaysian is popularly known) and held his nerve in the final moments to win 21-18, 14-21, 21-19.
{{/usCountry}}"It is amazing to win against the world No 1 and there was no pressure as I had nothing to lose," said the 23-year-old. "I think Lee is a little nervous when he plays against Koreans and that gave me confidence."
The decider saw LCW use his net play to get back into the game when he was down 13-18. The defending champion levelled the scores even though Shon did not lose focus and scrapped the winning point when Lee's returned his serve into the net.
India have secured their participation in four events --- two singles, mixed and women's doubles. India have never qualified in the doubles and expectations are high from Saina Nehwal, Jwala Gutta-Ashwini Ponnappa, Jwala-V Diju and P Kashyap.