Super Dan storms into men's singles final at National Games

File photo of China's Lin Dan returns a shuttle during men's singles first round match against his compatriot Qiu Yanbo at 2009 China Badminton Masters Super Series in Changzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, Sept. 16, 2009. Lin won 2-0. (Xinhua File Photo)

Chinese top shuttler Lin Dan stormed into the men's singles final of badminton tournament at the 11th Chinese National Games here on Saturday.

Lin, who represents People's Liberation Army at the elite national meet, overcame world No. 4 Chen Jin from Jiangsu 21-17, 15-21, 21-7 in a 82-minute semifinal duel.

This was a replay of the semifinal at last National Games when Lin also defeated Chen to advance into the final and then lifted the title after beating Bao Chunlai from Hunan.

Bao took down Hu Yun from Hong Kong 21-14, 21-6 to also reach the final.

"Bao has clinched several titles this year and is now in good shape," said Lin, ranked second in the world. "The final could be a fierce battle."

Bao was tortured by knee injury earlier this year but still managed to be crowned in the Asian Championships in April, Singapore Super Series in June, and Japan Super Series in September.

As a record winner of three consecutive world championships, Lin is closing in on another record: the first player to defend men's singles badminton title in National Games history.

Source: Xinhua