Lin Dan grabs maiden win in Malaysia Open

CHINA’S Lin Dan engineered a brilliantly ruthless strategy against arch-rival Malaysian world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei to win his first ever Malaysia Open badminton title in Kuching yesterday.

Showing no sign of fatigue, 33-year-old Lin Dan pushed Chong Wei, one year his senior, from back to front, forcing the recent All England Open winner into unforced errors to bag a win 21-19, 21-14 in 55 minutes.

The two badminton veterans started cautiously, and Chong Wei, the favourite in the tournament, began securing points with his killer cross-court smashes.

But Lin Dan kept his calm, resorting to long rallies, swift returns and precision net play to defeat Chong Wei.

With the unexpected victory, Lin Dan has now won every major title the sport has to offer.

“My main target was to break my jinx at this Malaysian Open. We both played well and showed a high level of badminton. Me are Chong Wei are both ageing, and so I cherish every moment we play each other in a big tournament,” he said.

Although partisan, the crowd cheered both ageing icons, boosting the morale of the shuttlers who demonstrated agility and power play and reminded critics that they are not ready to retire.

Chong Wei went down in straight games this time but he vowed to return stronger.

“It wasn’t my best performance today. I lost some confidence after losing the first game, but overall I am satisfied with my overall performance to have made the final,” he said.

The Malaysia Open began Tuesday in Kuching, the capital of Sarawak state on Borneo island.

Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Tai Tzu Ying emerged champion in the women’s singles.

The world No. 1 was, however, made to work hard for her win, defeating Spain’s CaroLin Dana Marin 23-25, 22-20, 21-13 in a 85-minute triumph. – AFP