CHINA’s Lin Dan picked up his record fifth men’s singles world crown yesterday, but the ending was not to his satisfaction.
He received a walkover from Lee Chong Wei while leading 16-21, 21-13, 20-17 in the final. The Malaysian was later taken to hospital with leg cramps.
Lin Dan empathised with Chong Wei, saying the sport could be cruel at times.
“Today, I think Chong Wei and I did a great job. We gave the fans a great treat but it was a pity that Chong Wei could not last until the end,” said Lin Dan.
“I was leading by four points when he suffered his first cramp. I know how it feels because I have experienced it myself in training. You can hardly move,” said Lin Dan.
“At that time, I was no longer his opponent. I wanted to help and asked how he was doing. He did not want to give up and wanted to play on. Unfortunately, he could not go and it was not a perfect ending for both of us,” said Lin Dan.
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