Lin survives scare at Thomas Cup
Posted on May 25, 2012, Friday
WUHAN, China: Superstar shuttler Lin Dan survived a scare in the Thomas Cup quarter-finals in Wuhan Wednesday, as China qualified for the semis in an event seen as a key test ahead of the London Olympics.
Malaysian youngster Liew Daren faced the daunting task of replacing injured world number one Datuk Lee Chong Wei in the first singles against the hot favourites, and the 33rd-ranked player rose to the occasion, taking a surprise one-game lead.
But the scare sparked Lin into action and badminton’s most decorated player upped the tempo to win 17-21, 21-9, 21-5 to the delight of his adoring home fans.
“I had some problems at the start. I wasn’t pleased because I couldn’t adjust,” said the world number two. “Daren is a new star in Malaysia. Lee won’t always be around.”
Lin and Daren have never met on the tour, and the Malaysian said this worked in his favour: “I think he was a bit confused in the first game. It is the first time he plays me.
“I had no fear, I just went in and played. I didn’t think I could cause an upset, but maybe take one game.”
Lin’s teammate and world number three Chen Long had few problems in seeing off the challenge of Muhammad Hafiz Hashim to secure China’s 3-0 victory, which takes the home nation into a semi-final clash against Japan. — AFP
<< Previous Entry - Next Entry >>
