Cheam June Wei is heading into the Taiwan Open with confidence after making history by winning his fourth Lin Dan Cup men’s singles title in Chenzhou, China.
The independent Malaysian shuttler defeated former world No. 11 Zhao Jun Peng of China 15-13, 9-15, 15-13 in the final on Sunday, becoming the first player to win all four editions of the invitational tournament.
June Wei also took home a winner’s prize of 200,000 yuan (around RM120,800) after playing seven matches within 48 hours. His previous Lin Dan Cup victories came in Shenzhen in 2023, Macau in 2024 and Jincheng last year, bringing his total earnings from the tournament to about 1.1 million yuan (around RM664,000).
Reflecting on the tense final, June Wei admitted he had to stay focused during the deciding game, especially when the score was tied at 13-13.
Source: The Star
“My mind was blank at that moment. I was just trying to fight for every point,” he said after the match, while thanking the Chenzhou fans for their support.
The 29-year-old will now shift his attention to the Taiwan Open, where he returns to the traditional 21-point scoring system after competing under the Lin Dan Cup’s shorter 15-point format.
June Wei will begin his Taiwan Open campaign in the qualifying rounds against home player Huang Ping-hsien. If he advances, he will face either American Garrett Tan or India’s Sankar Muthusamy for a place in the main draw.
Malaysia will also have several representatives in the men’s singles event. Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin starts in qualifying against South Korea’s Choi Ji-hoon, while Lee Zii Jia, Justin Hoh and Eogene Ewe have secured direct entry into the main draw.
With his recent Lin Dan Cup triumph behind him, June Wei will look to carry his momentum into the Taiwan Open as he aims to continue his strong run on the international stage.
