BIRMINGHAM, England, (Reuters) - World champion Chen Long outmuscled fellow Chinese Lin Dan 21-13 21-12 in a one-way semi-final at the All-England Championships on Saturday to confirm a shift in power in men’s badminton.
Chen, who has remained in Lin's shadow as he has advanced to the top of the rankings, rubber-stamped his status with a superb all-round performance. It was a largely insipid display from Lin, the five-times All-England champion, who was baffled by the decision from television chiefs not to broadcast the standout clash of the tournament from the main arena court.