S. Korean Sung Ji-hyun wins gold in badminton women's singles

South Korean badminton player Sung Ji-hyun captured the gold medal in the women's singles at the Universiade on Sunday.

Sung defeated Porntip Buranaprasertsuk of Thailand 2-0 (21-18, 21-19) in a taut final at Hwasun Hanium Culture Sports Center in Hwasun, South Jeolla Province, just south of the main host city Gwangju.

This was Sung's second straight Universiade gold, and South Korea's second of the evening. Shin Seung-chan and Kim Gi-jung earlier won the mixed doubles gold.

The two players were back and forth in the opening set.

Tied at 6-6, Sung scored three straight points to take a 9-6 lead.

Down 16-12, Buranaprasertsuk reeled off five straight points for a 17-16 advantage.

A seesaw match ensued before Sung closed out the set 21-18 thanks to four consecutive points.

Buranaprasertsuk opened the second set with a 7-2 lead and was up 11-6 at one point.

Then Sung drew the event at 11-11 and finally went up 20-18.

Buranaprasertsuk got one more point before Sung clinched the gold medal on a long return by the Thai. (Yonhap)