Li's ‘liberation' – Shifeng says his historic win feels like a good release
KUALA LUMPUR: Li Shifeng (pic) is overjoyed after becoming the first Chinese men's singles player to capture the Malaysian Masters title.
World No. 4 Shifeng was in his element when he only needed 36 minutes to beat India's surprise finalist K. Srikanth 21-11, 21-9 at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
It was a historic victory for the 25-year-old as he became the first shuttler from China to win the men's singles title since the tournament's inception in 2009.
Shifeng also celebrated his first title since winning the Japan Masters last November.
'I didn't expect to be the first at this event, because I hadn't really paid attention to who won it before,' said Shifeng.
'It's a very good start for me. I have reached the semi-finals a few times last year but lost.
'And this time, to break through and win the championship, I feel it's an affirmation and encouragement for myself.
'The moment I won, I felt quite a release. Because it's indeed been a long time since I won a championship, or even reached a final.
'So, being able to win this championship, I think it's a release, a kind of liberation.''
Shifeng believes he still has some way to go before he can become one of the top players in the world and is keen to use the World Tour Super 500 title win as a springboard for success in bigger events.
'There's still a big gap with the top-tier players, and I haven't won major titles yet,' said Shifeng.
'So, I still hope that through this 500-level championship, I can further improve and strengthen myself.
'Opponents at higher-level tournaments will definitely be stronger. So, after winning this championship, it's in the past.
'I think, the next one starts again, one tournament after another, it's a new challenge. I hope I can continue to make progress,' added Shifeng.
It was a great day for China when Wang Zhiyi (women's singles), Liu Shengshu-Tan Ning (women's doubles) and Feng Yanzhe-Huang Dongping (mixed doubles) also emerged victorious in all-Chinese finals.
World No. 2 Zhiyi fought hard to beat world No. 3 Han Yue 13-21, 21-13, 21-18 while Shengshu-Tan Ning defeated Jia Yifan-Zhang Shuxian 21-17, 21-18.
Yanzhe-Dongping also proved better on the day than Jiang Zhenbang-Wei Yaxin, coming out on top 21-17, 14-21, 21-16 in 63 minutes.
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