CHINA’S four-time world champion Lin Dan has endorsed Chen Long as the future of badminton after beating his younger compatriot in the quarter-finals of the World Championships.
On Friday, Lin Dan executed some greats shots for a 21-13, 22-20 win to end reigning All-England champion Chen Long’s hopes of becoming the world champion for the first time.
Everyone was anticipating an epic showdown but the opening game was a giveaway by Chen Long, who hardly showed any aggression.
But the second game was full of excitement as both players fought neck-and-neck before “Super Dan” sealed it.
Lin Dan is on course to make the final of the World Championships after beating Chen Long in the quarter-finals. - IZZRAFIQ ALIAS / The Star
Lin Dan will take on Nguyen Tien Minh of Vietnam in the semi-final today and should progress to the final.
“You are looking at one,” said Lin Dan, pointing both his hands at Chen Long when asked who he thinks would be the greatest player after he retires from the sport one day.
“Chen Long, of course. He is young now (24) and will be the player to beat at the next Olympic Games when he is 28. It’s a great age to play badminton.
“I hope he will bring more excellent matches on court. Fans come to watch unforgetable moments in badminton and this is what we must give them. Let them treasure those moments.”
Lin Dan, who will turn 30 in Ocotber, admitted that he had better control against Chen Long yesterday, saying “it came from years of experience”.
“I have played 13 years of competitive badminton ... I took up the sport when I was five. I have a better understanding of the game and, as I grow older, I’ve had to face different issues. I’m more experienced than Chen Long now. He will get there too,” he said.
“A friend showed me a picture of me when I was a junior in 2000. I was standing beside Bao Chunlai and 13 years have passed by. The career window for a shuttler is limited and one must treasure it,” added Lin Dan, who is looking good to reach the final again.
Lin Dan will take on Nguyen Tien Minh of Vietnam in the semi-final today and should progress to the final.
“You are looking at one,” said Lin Dan, pointing both his hands at Chen Long when asked who he thinks would be the greatest player after he retires from the sport one day.
“Chen Long, of course. He is young now (24) and will be the player to beat at the next Olympic Games when he is 28. It’s a great age to play badminton.
“I hope he will bring more excellent matches on court. Fans come to watch unforgetable moments in badminton and this is what we must give them. Let them treasure those moments.”
Lin Dan, who will turn 30 in Ocotber, admitted that he had better control against Chen Long yesterday, saying “it came from years of experience”.
“I have played 13 years of competitive badminton ... I took up the sport when I was five. I have a better understanding of the game and, as I grow older, I’ve had to face different issues. I’m more experienced than Chen Long now. He will get there too,” he said.
“A friend showed me a picture of me when I was a junior in 2000. I was standing beside Bao Chunlai and 13 years have passed by. The career window for a shuttler is limited and one must treasure it,” added Lin Dan, who is looking good to reach the final again.
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