Three years after he last topped a podium, Hong Kong China’s Ng Ka Long Angus rediscovered the winning feeling at the YONEX German Open 2023. Angus fought his way back into the final from a narrow opening game loss and an ankle injury to overcome rising star Li Shi Feng, 20-22 21-18 21-18.

Ng, who was runner-up in 2018, had last won a title in January 2020.

“The feeling is amazing, because my last final here was in 2018 and my last title was in 2020 at the Thailand Masters,” said the champion. “So it has been three years for me to grab a title. I can’t use words to describe my feelings now, but I’m happy.”

Angus hurt his left ankle early in the second game and received medical attention.

“In the beginning of the second set I got a bit injured, I thought I would have to give up the match. But I felt OK and I was leading and I kept trying on court. I got the second game so I tried to push myself to the limit and finish the match. I’m not sure what happened (with the injury) but I felt pain in my Achilles tendon. It seems it isn’t serious because I could play the full match. At this moment I’m still optimistic.

“When I was injured the crowd gave me a lot of support and made me feel very warm and today’s win also belongs to them.”

Feng/Huang’s Run Continues

There was no stopping Feng Yan Zhe/Huang Dong Ping, who steamrolled Kim Won Ho/Jeong Na Eun 21-4 21-15 for their third title in as many tournaments this year. Huang was in her fourth straight final and is yet unbeaten (she was in the YONEX-SUNRISE India Open final with Wang Yi Lyu before pairing up with Feng).

“We are very happy with this win. It is our third championship in a row and we feel very good on court together. We trust each other and enjoy every match,” said Huang Dong Ping to Badminton Europe.

Other Highlights

• In women’s singles, Akane Yamaguchi avenged her India Open final loss to An Se Young, beating the Korean 21-11 21-14 for her second title this year.

“I always enjoy playing the German Open because I perform well in this hall and could win this title for the fourth time. I am very happy about this week,” said Yamaguchi.

• Korea picked up the remaining two titles, with Baek Ha Na/Lee So Hee winning the women’s doubles over Nami Matsuyama/Chiharu Shida and Choi Sol Gyu/Kim Won Ho getting the better of their compatriots Kang Min Hyuk/Seo Seung Jae.

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