The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Tokyo

China's up-and-coming Wang Yihan outduelled former world number one Zhou Mi 21-19, 17-21, 21-15 to win her first major international badminton title at the Japan Open here today.

Wang, 20, who won the world university championship in May, came from behind in each game to overcome Zhou-who won the Olympic bronze medal for China in Athens and switched her allegiance to Hong Kong last year-in 61 minutes.

Zhou, 29, the winner of another Super Series event in South Korea in January, took a 9-5 lead in the opening set but Wang tied her at 12-all. The Shanghai university student again came back from 14-18 to catch Zhou at 18- all.

At game point, Zhou failed to handle Wang's smash, deflecting it outside the court.

In the second game, Wang also rallied back from 14-20 down, winning four straight points but losing the set when Zhou smashed in.

The final game saw Zhou jump to a 8-4 lead, but a persistent Wang tied her at 10-all. At 13-all, Wang applied the pressure, and finally bested her former teammate when Zhou's drop shot went short.