China defeats Malaysia for men's doubles gold in badminton

Gold medallists Fu Haifeng (CHN) of China and Zhang Nan (CHN) of China pose on the podium.[Photo/Agencies]

RIO DE JANEIRO - Fu Haifeng and Zhang Nan held firm in a furious men's doubles final on Friday to win the title for China and trample on Malaysia's dreams of a first ever Olympic gold medal.

The Chinese pair, who each won gold medals in different events at London, came back from a game down and saved two match points in a nail-biting finish to beat Goh V Shem and Tan Wee Kiong 16-21 21-11 23-21.

Fu, who won the title with Cai Yun four years ago, celebrated his second Olympic gold along with Zhang, who won the mixed doubles championship in London.

China, who swept all five titles at London, celebrated their first gold in the tournament after being frustrated in the women's doubles and singles, and the mixed doubles.

 

Fu Haifeng (CHN) of China and Zhang Nan （CHN) of China celebrate after winning their match against V Shem Goh (MAS) of Malaysia and Wee Kiong Tan (MAS) of Malaysia in badminton men's doubles final during Rio 2016 Olympics, Aug 19, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]