Lee Chun-hei and Chau Hoi-wah become first Hong Kong pair to win mixed doubles Superseries title
Unseeded local duo beat China's Liu Cheng and Bao Yixin in the final
It was mission accomplished for Lee Chun-hei and Chau Hoi-wah as they became the first mixed doubles pair from Hong Kong to win a World Badminton Superseries title on Sunday in Australia.
After a three-game success over fourth seeds Liu Cheng and Bao Yixin, of China, in the final, they were able to stand at the highest step of the podium at the US$750,000 Australian Open, one of the richest of the 12 Superseries events.
The world's top-10 mixed doubles pairs were attracted to Sydney Olympic Park, not only for the prize money, but also the precious 2016 Olympics qualification points.
And the unseeded Hong Kong pair had to oust the eighth seeds, second seeds and third seeds along the way before overcoming the mainlanders 21-19, 19-21, 21-15 in the final.
It is important not only because they have now become the first mixed doubles gold medal winner of a Superseries from Hong Kong, but also the confidence they have gained by toppling so many top opponents on their way to victory
It was also the first time Lee and Chau had beaten these opponents in four meetings, including a thrilling match at the 2013 Hong Kong Open when the home pair lost in the semi-finals after three games.
