"Super Dan" defends men's singles' title at Asian championships

"Super Dan" Lin Dan of China defended his title in men's singles by beating compatriot Bao Chunlai in straight sets at the Asian championships here on Sunday.

The reigning Olympic and Asian Games gold medallist Lin dominated the match as he thundered down 42 smash winners, ten more than his old rival Bao, and led all the way in his 21-19, 21-13 victory.

As the Sudirman Cup will be held next month in Qing Dao, Shan Dong province, Lin didn't count too much on the title, saying "these championships was only a warm-up match, no matter who clinched the title, it is the status that counts more."

Lin improved his head to head record against Bao to 20-5 in major world events. "We have played numerous matches before and I am happy both of us found the rhythm during these championships," said Lin, who has bagged three titles by far this year after winning the Korea Open and German Open.

World No. 13 Bao sailed into the final by squeezing past his opponents, including second-seeded Chen Long and third-seeded Boonsak Ponsana of Thailand, in straight games, while Lin, who struggled in his first few matches, gradually hit his form after entering the semifinals.

With world top two male shuttlers Lee Chong Wei from Malaysia and Taufik from Indonesia both absent from the competition, China met few challenge as its shuttlers occupied the top four berths.

"Because my major foreign opponents didn't come, my teammate became my arch rival. I gradually found my form, which I think is the most crucial gain from these championships," added Lin.

Source: Xinhua

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