Lee Yang/Wang Chi-Lin Successfully Defend Title, Creating History; Liang/Wang Pair Take Silver
Jayce
On the evening of August 4, 2024, the men’s doubles final at the Olympic badminton event saw the Chinese pair Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang lose 1-2 (17-21, 21-18, 19-21) to Lee Yang and Wang Chi-Lin, who successfully defended their title.
Since the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Chinese men’s doubles pairs have consistently reached the finals for five consecutive Olympics, winning the following:
- 2008 Beijing Olympics: Silver (Cai Yun/Fu Haifeng)
- 2012 London Olympics: Gold (Cai Yun/Fu Haifeng)
- 2016 Rio Olympics: Gold (Zhang Nan/Fu Haifeng)
- 2020 Tokyo Olympics: Silver (Li Junhui/Liu Yuchen)
- 2024 Paris Olympics: Silver (Liang Weikeng/Wang Chang)
The post-2000s Chinese men’s doubles pair Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang have demonstrated exceptional strength, reaching the world number one spot within just two years. In this year’s Olympic badminton tournament, Wang and Liang showcased their dazzling skills and, with their humorous and energetic demeanor, ignited the arena, becoming the most spotlighted “treasure boys.” Meanwhile, Lee Yang and Wang Chi-Lin, the defending Olympic champions, had a head-to-head record of 2 wins and 2 losses against the Chinese pair. Despite a decline in performance over the past two years, Lee and Wang’s extensive experience in major competitions and their top finish in the “Group of Death” highlighted their formidable strength.
After tying the match at 1-1, Lee Yang and Wang Chi-Lin took the lead in the decisive game, maintaining an 18-14 advantage. Despite fierce attacks from Liang and Wang, a fault call for a high serve and the rock-solid defense of the Lee/Wang pair, which left no openings for counterattacks, kept them ahead. Towards the end, Liang and Wang persisted with their aggressive plays, closing the gap to 18-19. At this stage, it was no longer a contest of skills but of mental fortitude.
With a powerful smash by Wang Chi-Lin, the Lee/Wang pair reached match point at 20-18. After saving one match point, a return error from the Chinese pair ultimately led to their defeat. Lee Yang and Wang Chi-Lin emerged victorious, becoming the first men’s doubles pair in badminton history to successfully defend their Olympic title.
