Badminton: Triple joy for South Korea at worlds as Seung-jae wins big in Copenhagen

PETALING JAYA: South Korea swept three world titles for the first time in the World Championships with Seo Seung-jae emerging as the big winner.

The 25-year-old Seung-jae combined superbly with his younger partner Kang Min-hyuk, 24, to break the hearts of the fans in Copenhagen by beating home pair Kim Astrup-Anders Skaarup Rasmussen in the men’s doubles final at the Royal Arena on Sunnday (Aug 27).

Seung-jae-Min-hyuk came from behind to claim a hard-fought 14-21, 21-15, 21-17 victory to make it a glorious day for South Korea.

The decider was a thriller as both traded blow for blow before the Koreans stood solid in the crucial stage to romp home for the win.

It was Seung-jae’s second title after winning the mixed doubles earlier.

He had earlier played brilliantly with Chae Yu-jung to stun China’s world No. 1 and defending champions Zheng Siwei-Huang Yaqiong (Chn) 21-17, 10-21, 21-18 in the mixed doubles final.

“I’m sorry to disappoint the Danish fans here. I can’t believe it, I’ve won two world titles here,” said Seung-jae, who become the first Korean in 24 years to win a double.

Kim Dong-moon was the last to sweep two titles in the men’s doubles with Ha Tae-kwon and mixed with Ra Kyung-min.

Earlier, An Se-young had pulled off a historic win when she became the first women’s singles shuttler from South Korea to capture the world title since the tournament’s inception in 1977.

The 21-year-old Se-young defeated Spain’s three-time former champion Carolina Marin 21-12, 21-10 in the final, that saw the youngster dominating play from the start.

“I’m so happy to win this title. It means so much to me,” said a thrilled Se-young, who had to settle for bronze last year in Tokyo.

In the men’s singles, 22-year-old Kunlavut Vitidsarn became the first player from Thailand to win the title after he fought hard to overcome Japan’s 22-year-old Kodai Naraoka 19-21, 21-18, 21-7 in a gruelling one hour and 49 minutes battle.