Shuttlers continue dominance at University Games

The Chinese university badminton team, facing strong pressure from the Chinese Tapei team, maintained their lead in the sport at the FISU Games on Monday, as they totaled four gold, three silver and one bronze medal in badminton.

China's female singles player Han Yue continued her fine form on ­Monday as she won the women's singles title with a stylish 2-0 victory over her opponent Kim Ga-ram of South Korea.

Coasting to the final by winning all the previous four matches by straight 2-0 wins, Han said she gave her all for the final.

"As it is the final of the tournament, I have to go all out. I prepared for a tough match but it turned out to be an easy one," the Tongji University student told reporters. 

"I feel honored to have participated in the University Games during my college years. This is a very valuable experience."

Speaking about the home advantages she enjoyed at the Chengdu Games, Han, 24, said she had to channel the pressure into impetus for the home game.

"Certainly, there is pressure since it's a home game. But the gold medal is important to me so I have to push myself more," Han said. 

"I'm thankful to coaches Li Xuerui and Wang Shixian for providing me with valuable advice during the matches."

Li is a former Olympic champion, while Wang has won several major international accolades for China. 

Han has already set her sights on the badminton world championships that kick off on August 21 in Copenhagen, Denmark. 

"I will focus on preparing for this year's event as it is already very close," Han said. 

Also on Monday, Team China secured the doubles gold and silver medals as Chinese pair Liu Wenmei and Liu Xuanxuan defeated teammates Xia Yuting and Du Yue 18-21, 21-19 and 21-14 in the women's competition. 

Ren Xiangyu and Tan Qiang overshadowed peers Zhou Haodong and He Jiting 23-21 and 21-16 in the men's event.

In the men's singles final, the last match of the badminton tournament, China's Wang Zhengxing defeated Thailand's Teeraratsakul Panitchaphon 21-16, 21-14 claim gold.