Home shuttlers claim two titles to close out action at BWF China Open

Badminton players from the host nation claimed two doubles titles to close out the BWF China Open in Changzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, on Sunday.

The mixed doubles final showcased an all-Chinese showdown, with Guo Xinwa and Chen Fanghui outlasting top seeds and defending champions Feng Yanzhe and Huang Dongping in a grueling 87-minute battle to come away with top honors.

Guo and Chen took the first game 25-23, but squandered multiple chances in the second, allowing their opponents to level the match after completing a furious 22-20 comeback. The number six team in the world rankings then regrouped to prevail in the decider 21-15.

The victory marked the first Super 1000 title for Guo and Chen since last year's All England Open and second overall. Chen said the duo had been struggling for form coming into the tournament, but strong chemistry helped carry them to the top of the podium.

"We learned to absorb pressure while putting pressure on our opponents, and that's been the biggest takeaway from this tournament," Chen noted.

In the women's doubles final, Chinese pair Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning defended their crown with a 21-14, 21-19 victory against Japan's Yuki Fukushima and Mayu Matsumoto.

The win clinched the home duo's third title from the four Super 1000 tournaments they have entered this season.

"We basically played this match like a mixed doubles pair. Everyone knows I've been dealing with injuries, so I tried my best to deliver solid performances within my physical limits. I tried to avoid wide-range movements to prevent drastic swings in my form, which is my top priority," revealed Tan.

Liu added: "There were more extensive rallies near the end of both games, and that often led to more unforced errors, but my partner always stepped in to steady our team. Doubles matches need both players to share responsibilities and support each other. We complement each other well."