Lin Dan makes comeback
Chinese superstar not to retire, whatever the outcome in Guangzhou
Badminton superstar Lin Dan moved effortlessly through to the second round of the world championships in Guangzhou, South China’s Guangdong Province on Monday, putting in a powerful performance after a year on the sidelines.
The reigning world champion trounced American Sattawat Pongnairat 21-6, 21-9 and although the Chinese player was hardly stretched, the man regarded by many as the sport’s best-ever player showed flashes of classic play.
Lin stays on course to meet arch-rival Lee Chong Wei from Malaysia if both make it to the tournament final after being placed in opposite halves of the draw, as world No.1 Lee also beat his first-round opponent.
Delicate touches at the net, powerful smashes and an athleticism around the court belied the fact that this was only the fourth international game for “Super Dan” since taking Olympic gold in London.
The home crowd chanted his name as he strolled to victory against the American.
Lin’s current form after a year out to spend time with his wife and family has been the subject of speculation, as he dropped to 100th in the world rankings following his break.
But in a news conference on Sunday Lin said, “I have come prepared to win the world title again.”
Speaking on Sunday, Lin said that despite approaching his 30th birthday, he would not be retiring from the sport, whatever the outcome in Guangzhou.
“I may be one of the oldest players now but I have trained with the same intensity. What matters most is the attitude,” he said.
Lee eased his way through the first round too, dispatching Ireland’s Scott Evans 21-11, 21-15.
Evans found it hard to make an impression on the agile Malaysian whose lightning reflexes created an almost impenetrable defense.
“I knew my opponent of the day wasn’t so strong but I wanted to make a good start in the tournament, and get adjusted to the conditions,” said Lee after his win.
“A lot of people are saying that this might be my best chance to win the world championships. And I will take the chance.”
Lee, 30, who became a father in April to son Kingston, knows that this could be his last chance to beat Lin on the big stage, after losing the last two Olympic finals to the fiercely competitive Chinese player, as well as the 2011 world title match.
World No.2 Chen Long from China made short work of Austria’s Luka Wraber 21-2, 21-5 and remains on course to meet Lin in the quarterfinals.
China’s Du Pengyu, ranked third, had to work hard for his 21-17, 16-21, 21-13 victory against a tenacious Shon Wan-ho of Korea, taking an hour and 25 minutes to seal the win.