Taufik too strong for injured Chen

Reigning Olympic and Asian Games champion Taufik Hidayat walked away with the Asian Badminton Championships title for the third time with an easy 21-18, 21-19 win over an injured Chen Hong of China in the men¡¯s singles final yesterday.

Indonesia's Taufik Hidayat (R) shakes hands with China's Chen Hong on the podium during a medal presentation ceremony at the Asian Badminton Championship in Malaysia's southern state of Johor April 15, 2007. Taufik beat Chen Hong to take the men's singles title. [Reuters]

Richer by US$10,000 from the victory, the Indonesian ace has set his sights on the Singapore Open (May 1-6) and his home tournament (May 7-13).

He had skipped the All-England and the Swiss Open last month after a dispute with the All-Indonesian Badminton Federation (PBSI).

"I am very happy to win the title again. It is good to win it three times. The ABC title is just the right tonic for me to gear up for the next two tournaments," said Taufik.

"I don't think Chen Hong was at his best. He told me he injured his leg and this affected his play. But still, a win is a win. Things are shaping up nicely for me."

"I have two weeks to prepare for the Singapore Open. I am somewhat short on my fitness and I have to work on improving it because the next two tournaments will be much, much tougher than the ABC."

For Chen Hong, who is making a return to competition after announcing his retirement from the game recently, his efforts yesterday were worth US$4,000.