Birmingham: Tine Baun became the oldest Yonex All England Open women's singles winner of the open era when she overcame the youngest singles finalist, Ratchanok Intanon, in an uniquely emotional final.

The 33-year-old’s three-game win over the 18-year-old brought to an end the career of one of the outstanding players of the past ten years, and the only one to threaten Chinese dominance in this event.

Remarkably, the Dane only decided to compete this year as a “last adventure” but instead, as seventh seed, surprised herself by winning the Yonex All England Open title back. Her 21-14, 16-21, 21-10 triumph also earned it for her a third time.

Intanon, who was also the first Thai to reach the women’s singles final, was not far from spoiling the script with her wonderful movement and wide range of strokes.

She was ahead early on, and began to move Baun around much more in the middle of the match. But she was, she admitted, nervous, and did not play her best in the decider.

Meanwhile, world number one Lee Chong Wei, who deferred retirement after his narrow Olympic defeat to make further attempts on the major titles, found himself brilliantly denied in the final of the Yonex All England Open.

Lee had hoped to win the title back but instead found himself with a new and younger Chinese rival, Chen Long, who fought off brave fight-backs by the favourite in each game to triumph by 21-17, 21-18.

Last year Lee lost the title to Lin Dan. Now the Chinese legend may have a successor as world number one, on the evidence of Chen’s marvellous containment ability, and increasing patience and judgement on when to make pouncing attacks.

Courtesy: Official website of All England Championships