Yew Sin-Ee Yi go down fighting in Sydney

KUALA LUMPUR: It wasn't meant toe be for independent pair Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi in Sydney today.

The world No 8 men's doubles pair narrowly missed out on their first title in nearly three years as they settled for runners-up at the Australian Open.

Yew Sin-Ee Yi fought hard beforee losing 21-16, 22-20 to China's Ou Xuan Yi-Liu Yu Chen in 44 minutes.

"Yew Sin-Ee Yi's performance was satisfactory all week long. In the final, they were far from their best," said their coach Chin Eei Hui.

Despite being paired up only this year, Xuan Yi-Yu Chen's combination is flourishing nicely and will pose a big threat to top-ranked rivals next year, including world champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik.

The Australian Open triumph was their second this year after the Indonesian Open in June. They also came in second in the German Open and Korea Masters.

"There are many good pairs that are on the rise right now, and Xuan Yi-Yu Chen are one of them," said Eei Hui.

"Yew Sin-Ee Yi and other Malaysian pairs will have to beware of some of these pairs."

Meanwhile, China's Shi Yu Qi continued his resurgence after a long absence by overcoming compatriot Lu Guang Zu 21-19, 18-21, 21-5 in the men's singles final.

It was Yu Qi's second title in three tournaments after beating Lee Zii Jia to the Denmark Open crown last month.

South Korea's An Se Young outclassed Indonesia's Gregoria Mariska Tunjung 21-17, 21-9 for the women's singles final on her return from injury.

She last saw action at the Japan Open in August.

RESULTS:

(All finals)

Men's singles: Shi Yu Qi (Chn) bt Lu Guang Zu 21-19, 18-21, 21-5;

Doubles: Liu Yu Chen-Ou Xuan Yi (Chn) bt Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi (Mas) 21-16, 22-20;

Women's singles: An Se Young (Kor) bt Gregoria Mariska Tunjung (Ina) 21-17, 21-9;

Doubles: Zhang Shu Xian-Zheng Yu (Chn) bt Benyapa Aimsaard-Nuntakarn Aimsaard (Tha) 21-19, 21-13;

Mixed doubles: Seo Seung Jae-Chae Yu Jung (Kor) bt Kim Won Ho-Jeong Na Eun (Kor) 21-9, 21-17.