Liang Weikeng/Wang Chang: Fulfilling the Promise of Winning the Championship, the Gold Medal is the Best Gift
Jayce
With scores of 21-12, 21-14, Liang Weikeng/Wang Chang easily defeated last year’s world champions from Malaysia, Tan Wee Kiong/Soo Teck Zhi, in the men’s doubles final last night, winning the men’s doubles championship at the China Open in just 26 minutes. This not only marked China’s second gold at this year’s Open but also saw Chinese men’s doubles reclaiming the highest podium at the China Open after 22 years.
“Our goal is the championship!” On the first day of the China Open, this pair of “post-2000s” openly expressed their desire for the gold medal. From the All England to the World Championships, each time they aimed for the semifinals, only to reach them consistently. This time in Changzhou, armed with experience gained from the World Championships, they boldly declared their ambition: “Our goal for every future competition is the championship.”
“Liang-Wang” showed stable performance throughout the China Open, advancing to the semifinals. However, in the semifinals, they faced sudden changes reminiscent of the World Championships. In this match, despite winning the first game 21-16 and leading 15-8 in the second game, they unexpectedly lost focus, conceding five points in a row and allowing the game to enter a decisive third game with a score of 20-22. Fortunately, they managed to withstand the pressure and won 22-20, advancing to the final.
The semifinal, full of twists and turns, taught “Liang-Wang” that besides determination, they also needed to maintain sufficient composure without rushing for every point.
In the final against Malaysia’s World Championship-winning pair, “Liang-Wang” were well-prepared, displaying both passion and consistent composure on the court, ultimately overwhelming their opponents. After the match, they appeared in the mixed zone with the championship trophy. “The championship trophy is heavy, and its significance is profound,” Wang Chang remarked. Liang Weikeng summed up, “After the thrilling semifinal, in the final, we needed to assert our dominance, displaying the right spirit. Of course, it was crucial to keep our mentality balanced.”
Yesterday was Teacher’s Day. When asked about the gifts prepared for their coaches to nurture them, the two young men smiled shyly and said, “Only a championship is worthy of the significance of this day.” They also hope to consistently perform well in future competitions, minimizing the roller-coaster emotions their coaches experience during matches.
Looking back 22 years ago, China’s men’s doubles Zhang Jun/Zhang Wei won the China Open championship in 2001, the year Wang Chang was born and Liang Weikeng was just one year old. Now, as key players born after 2000, they have finally won their first Super 1000 championship. Looking forward, “Liang-Wang” have more dreams to unlock in their future journey.
