Big guns hail Lin Dan's tournament

KUALA LUMPUR: Shuttlers Shi Yu Qi and Anders Antonsen have hailed the recent King Cup in Shenzen, China, as a benchmark for elite badminton.

The final delivered both quality and contrast with China's world No. 1 Yu Qi subduing Denmark's world No. 3 Antonsen 22-20, 21-7.

Antonsen said the unique event showed badminton at its best. "It's been a great experience again. I am very happy to be here," said Antonsen after the final.

"We have been taken great care of and it's a very fun event. It's a beautiful tournament and I think it's representing badminton how it should be presented."

Antonsen, who played in the King Cup in consecutive editions, said he would gladly return, pointing to the atmosphere and professionalism of the event as key factors.

Yu Qi's victory earned him 1.2 million yuan (RM692,600) while Antonsen took home 600,000 yuan, underlining the tournament's financial pull alongside its growing prestige.

Yu Qi said the King Cup matches had been of a high standard. "The matches we presented to everyone were very exciting. Especially in the first match, Kento Momota's condition was very good.

"To meet again on such a stage and to see his talent and entertaining style on court, I really admire him from the bottom of my heart," he added.

France's world No. 8 Alex Lanier also highlighted the King Cup's value as a competitive platform, saying the event helped him sharpen his match play after a training-heavy period.

Lanier secured third place after defeating Indonesia's Jonatan Christie 21-17, 21-19, earning 350,000 yuan.

The invitational King Cup, which is the brainchild of China legend Lin Dan, was inaugurated last year. It offered a whooping total prize money of 3 million yuan (RM1.7 million).