[Monday, 24 Jul 2006] The Men's Singles event was a much awaited match at the Tap Seac Multisport Pavillion yesterday, as bitter rivals Lin Dan (CHN) and Lee Chong Wei (MAS) once again battled for not only the title of Macau Open champion but also the determinant for the position as world no. 1. Lin Dan started well by taking the first game at 21-18. But Lee Chong Wei's resilient fighting spirit and skillful play leveled-up in the second game, 21-18. Despite that both players showed imminence level of skill, it was Lin who had a slight edge over Lee, won the third game and emerged as champion. It was a double joy for Lin Dan as he not only won the title in the inaugural Macau Badminton Open 2006 but also regained his spot as world no. 1 in the IBF ranking. Top seed pair Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng secured another title for China with a win over compatriot Guo Zendong/ Zheng Bo 21-12, 9-21, 21-19 in the Men's Doubles final. Another pair Gao Ling and Huang Sui (CHN) emerged champion in the Women's Doubles crushing Korea's hope of at least a title by beating Lee Kyung Won and Lee Hyo Jun 17-21, 21-14, 21-14. European players grabbed two titles through the Women's Singles and Mixed Doubles events. Judith Meulendjiks of Netherlands defeated Yip Pui Yin (HKG) 18-21, 21-10, 21-11 in the Women's Singles event, while Thomas Laybourn and Kamilla Juhl of Denmark (right) surprised the chinese by winning over Zhang Jun and Gao Ling in straight games 21-19, 22-20.
