VETERAN LIN DAN TRIUMPHS

China ace bounces back to beat Chen Long for Malaysia Open title

CHINA’S five-time world champion Lin Dan turned the heat up yesterday to clinch his second Malaysia Open crown at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil. At 36, the China star put up a blistering performance in front of his fans when he clawed back from a game down to see off compatriot and reigning Olympic champion Chen Long 9-21, 21-17, 21-11 in the men’s singles final.

For the record, the Malaysia Open is Lin Dan’s first major title in two years.

Incidentally, his last title was the

Malaysia Open in 2017 in Kuching, when he defeated former World No 1 Lee Chong Wei.

While admitting that younger players are slowly taking over the mantle, Lin Dan is still happy to be winning top tier tournaments.

“I was suffering early round exits in the last few tournaments, so it’s nice to come back and win a Super 750 tournament like the Malaysia Open,” said Lin Dan yesterday.

“It also proves that my training regime is bearing fruit. Looks like the bad days are gone.

“Chen Long and I played top quality badminton today and I’m glad my body is still able to cope with the high intensity of the game, especially when youngsters like Kento Momota and Viktor Axelsen are already on par with us,” he added.

Lin Dan also took the opportunity to thank his fans, who have been flooding him with words of encouragement when it seemed like he was on his way out, in terms of his career.

“I must thank the fans for their unwavering support. When I was at my lowest, so many letters came in from them, that lifted me up.”

It doesn’t stop there for the China star when Chong Wei presented the winning prize of US$49,000 (RM200,000).

Chen Long settled for US$23,800 (about RM97,000).

“The last time I won this tournament, I beat Chong Wei in the final, this time I’m receiving the prize from him.

“I really hope we will battle it out on court again, but I want him to look after his body first,” Lin Dan added about the Malaysian, who has yet to make a return since he was diagnosed with nose cancer last July.

World No 16 Lin Dan will play in the Singapore Open tomorrow where he faces Axelsen in the first round.