TOP shuttlers from around the globe gathered at Shenzhen Sports Center between Nov. 19 and 24, and played for an enthusiastic crowd in the renovated arena in Futian District. The Li-Ning China Masters 2024, a prominent event within the BWF World Tour Super 750 series, boasted a total prize pool of US$1,150,000. In the women’s doubles category, China’s Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning clinched the championship, while Feng Yanzhe and Huang Dongping, also representing China, secured the mixed doubles title following a spirited battle against tough Malaysian opponents, overcoming a slow start in the finals. Anders Antonsen of Denmark emerged victorious in the men’s singles, while South Korea’s An Se-young claimed the women’s singles title, having advanced to the quarterfinals in the previous year. An’s compatriots Jin Yong and Seo Seung-jae triumphed in the men’s doubles. While the defending champions in the respective men’s and women’s singles events, Japan’s Kodai Naraoka and China’s Chen Yufei, did not compete this year, the tournament showcased intense matches and stellar performances from all the participants. The recently reopened arena, which underwent more than four years of renovation before its first game Oct. 18, is set to be a main venue for the 15th National Games next year, jointly hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao. It will also see prestigious events like the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup and a range of cultural and sporting activities.(SD News) | 