Wang Yihan insists the pressure was off

CHINA'S Wang Yihan is convinced her underdog status played a key role to her first Yonex All England Championship title.

The unseeded 21-year-old defeated top seed and world number one Tine Rasmussen of Denmark 21-19 22-23 21-11 in an epic 58-minute long battle.

Wang had further reason to celebrate as China claimed victory in all five competitions - the first time a nation has done so since Denmark swept the board in 1948.

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And Wang, ranked 17^th in the world, admitted it was a dream come true to claim her first All England Championship.

"I secretly imagined what it would be like to win before the game, but as soon as I got on court I had to focus," said Wang.

 "I set myself no targets coming into the tournament, just to take one match at a time and enjoy myself, and so to beat the world number one to win the title, feels great.

 "I just try to play and enjoy myself, and it is great not to have any pressure on me, and I want this to continue - I do not want to set too much expectation."

 Rasmussen had been struggling with a heel injury which nearly kept her from competing in the final, but she was full of praise for Wang's performance.

"She's a new era of women's player, and although she plays a lot like me, very attacking, it is more like the men's style of play," she said.

"I did my best today and I know I can play even better. I will rest now and try to get over my injury."

 "I heard the support from the home fans and it really helped. 

"I feel at home when I go on court here, I feel like I was playing for Europe and not just Denmark."

JO CARTER in Birmingham