China takes Asian Games silver in long-awaited return to men's doubles final

China's Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang were beaten 2-1 by Indonesia's Daniel Marthin and Leo Rolly Carnando in the men's doubles final at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on Tuesday, settling for silver at the Ichinomiya City Municipal Gymnasium.

The third-ranked Chinese pair, which won the men's doubles title at the BWF World Championships in New Delhi in August, took the opening game 21-19, but the Indonesian duo responded strongly, winning the second 21-13, before edging the deciding game 21-18 to claim the gold medal.

The result marked China's return to the Asian Games men's doubles final for the first time in 36 years. The last Chinese pair to reach the final was Li Yongbo and Tian Bingyi, who won gold at the 1990 Beijing Asian Games.

For the 25-year-old pair, the silver medal marked a step forward from the round-of-16 exit at the Hangzhou Asian Games.

"We don't consider this an improvement," Wang said. "At the Hangzhou Asian Games, our goal was already the gold medal. So although we won silver this time, our goal hasn't changed. We will continue to aim for the top of the podium."

Liang and Wang entered the Asian Games as world champions after winning their first world title in August. The duo defeated Malaysia's Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik 21-17, 21-16 in the World Championships final in New Delhi, ending China's eight-year wait for a men's doubles crown at the event.

At the Asian Games, Liang and Wang also beat Indonesia's Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri in both the men's team final and the men's doubles semifinal.

Against Marthin and Carnando, the Chinese pair struggled to maintain an advantage after taking the opening game.

"We need to review the video to understand the details," Wang said. "In a major final, details can often make the difference. We tried to change some tactics and shot selections during the match, but the overall effect was a little short of what we wanted."

Wang said the Indonesians were familiar opponents, having faced them frequently since their junior careers.

"We know each other very well, and this has also been a process of growth for us," explained Wang.

Despite the defeat, Wang viewed China's return to the Asian Games final as evidence of the strength and depth of the country's men's doubles program.

"This shows that Chinese men's doubles has the confidence and ability to stand on this stage," he said. "No matter how many years pass, whether at the next Asian Games, or the one after that, Chinese men's doubles can still reach the final."

The badminton competition at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games concluded Tuesday, with China winning two gold medals — in the women's team event and mixed doubles. China also collected silver medals in the men's team, men's doubles and women's doubles events.