Li Xuerui upset world champion Wang Yihan 21-13 21-19 to win her first All England Open women’s title in an all-Chinese final on Sunday.

Wang was the overwhelming favourite being the world No.1 who has won six of seven finals in the past year and having never lost to No. 5-ranked Li in four previous matches.

But the 2009 All England champion was made to pay for another sleepy start and poor footwork.

Li kept wrongfooting Wang, winning their net rallies, and going for her shots.

Her willingness to attack paid off with the first game won with a smash at Wang’s feet.

Wang finally woke up in the second game, lobbing Li to the backcourt.

Wang led 11-2 but relaxed again and Li inched back to tie the game at 18. Li won another rally at the net for match point, then with the crowd baying at every shot, Wang hit into the net.