German’s Wildman Overcomes Indonesian Legend, Korea Takes Down China

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, July 24th, 2011 -

It may have been a surprise last week when German’s flamboyant star, Mark Zwiebler, took down the Olympic Gold medalist Taufik Hidayat at the US Open. But when Zwiebler handled Hidayat in two comfortable sets this week, the badminton world calmly accepted the arrival of the German into the world’s best players.

“I have a flight in one hour and I have to get back home for my Dad’s 60th birthday, so I have a double reason to celebrate,” said the German to SHAW TV after the match. “Thank You Richmond and Thank You Canada. This week is special in my career.”

But the match that got the crowd revved up was soon to come as Korea’s Golden Boy, Lee Yong Dae and new partner Sung Hyun Ko faced off with an entire section of Korean fans in their corner. Their opponents were a powerful combo from China, Xiaolong Liu and Zihan Qiu who had the remaining 70% of the crowd on their side.

In a seesaw match that showed the highest speed available in today’s badminton, Lee Yong Dae proved to be the difference as the Korean crowd chanted continuously until the final point fell with a score of 21-18, 21-16.

As the curtains drew on the Yonex Canada Open 2011, the 1500+ crowd exited the stadium and waited for their newfound heroes from overseas and begged them to come back in 2012.

Having set Canadian badminton records for attendance and ticket sales, the event was certainly the largest in our nation’s history and promises to be bigger and better as the years continue.

Further information on the tournament is available at http://www.canadaopen.ca

Media contact:

Bobby Milroy
Tel: 778-866-6965
Email: bmilroy@canadaopen.ca
Website: www.canadaopen.ca