Chen gears up for RP Open with Thai Open victory

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Chinese ace Chen Hong primed up for the 2007 Bingo
Bonanza Philippine Open next week as the world No. 2
captured the SCG Thailand Open Grand Prix Gold event
with a thrilling three-set victory over Thai bet
Boonsak Ponsana at the Nimibutr Gymnasium in Thailand
over the weekend.

Chen, the top seeded player in the men’s singles in
the $120,000 RP Open, dominated the first set, reeled
back in the next before outlasting the local
heartthrob with a fine display of forehand shots to
prevail, 21-14, 11-21, 23-21, to the chagrin of the
more than 4,000 home fans who cheered for their local
hero.

The victory netted Chen, who lost to Boonsak in
straight sets in last year’s Malaysian Open, the
prestigious HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Trophy
plus a US$9,600 cash prize.

It also augurs well for his campaign in the
Philippines’ blue-ribbon event, which attracted five
of the world’s top 10 players in the centerpiece men’s
singles, while a host of other world class players are
competing in the event, a Grand Prix gold tournament
sponsored by Bingo Bonanza Corp.

Chen and company are also expected to see action in
the tough China Super Series slated this week.
Boonsak, the 2004 Thailand Open champion, lost the
first set but came alive in the next as the
drum-beating, flag-waving fans cheered on him all the
way.

All-pumped up, Boonsak flexed his muscles in the
decider and led 10-5 and 11-8 only to falter in the
face of Chen’s mightly fightback. The Chinese ace drew
level at 16 then took the next four points for a 20-16
lead, needing only one crucial point to win the game
and the championship.

But Boonsak never got discouraged and saved five match
points, stretching the tough battle to end with a
two-point margin for Chen.

China ruled the roost at the end of the six-day
tournament with four titles, including a sweep of both
men's and women's singles, while South Korea took the
remaining crown in the men's doubles, making the
Chinese the players to beat in the RP Open.

The RP Open, backed by Victor, exclusively distributed
by Pcome Industrial Sales, Inc., Snickers, The
Philippine Star, Solar Sports (official broadcaster),
Holiday Inn Galleria Manila and The Richmonde
(official hotels), will also stake world ranking
points and serves as an Olympic Qualifying tournament
where players shoot for important ranking points to
qualify for next year’s Olympiad in Beijing.