HANGZHOU, China (AP) – South Korean women’s singles team defeated China 3-0 in badminton on Sunday at the Asian Games.
An Seyoung and Kim Gaeun won their singles matches and Lee Sohee and Baek Hana teamed up in doubles to beat the sport’s No 1-ranked female pair, Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan of China.
Lee said the team surprised itself.
“Playing in China against the Chinese pair who are also the world No 1, I didn’t expect to win,” Lee said. “I thought it would be a very tough match. This game was a battle of physical fitness. I didn’t want to lose out in the physical energy part.”
South Korea coach Kim Hak-kyun emphasized the team is much more than simply a top player like An.
“We were able to win the precious gold. This is thanks to the determination, mindset, mentality and unity of our players,” Kim said.
“The biggest meaning is that we can show everyone — our athletes as a whole team — and not just An Seyoung.”
