Lin Dan defends World Badminton title

Hyderabad:

Olympic champion Lin Dan on Sunday became the first badminton player to clinch a hat-trick of world titles, beating fellow Chinese Chen Jin in straight games in the finals of the mega-event at the Gachibowli stadium.

World number five Lin outplayed second-ranked Chen 21-18, 21-16 in a contest that lasted 46 minutes. Lin had won the earlier World Championship in 2006 and 2007, apart from winning four All-England title in 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2009.

In an all-Chinese clash, fifth seed Lin rode on his lightening smashes and long aggressive rallies to beat his higher-ranked opponent.

He also outsmarted Chen on the nets, leaving his compatriot to rue a series of unforced errors in the match. Lin stamped his authority right from the start as he pushed Chen on the back-foot after an initial neck-and-neck competition at 6-6.

The left handed maestro opened up a five-point lead, leaving Chen to do the catch up job.

The second game was no different as Lin surged into lead immediately. Although Chen bounced back, a flurry of unforced errors cooked his goose.

"This is the first time, I am here in India and it has been a great experience. I am happy to win the title," Lin said.

"I am no genius, I just worked hard like my other teammates and I believe all my teammates can win the title as they work hard too," he added.

Asked if he is aiming for the London Olympics, Lin said, "That is too far. For the moment, I just want to play better in all the tournaments of this year."

Lin has previously helped China win three consecutive Thomas Cup championships in 2004, 2006, and 2008 and has also been a major contributor to Chinese teams which won the Sudirman Cup in 2005, 2007 and 2009.

Meanwhile, Chen, who was playing his first World Championship final, said he wasn't disappointed as the gold medal has stayed with his country.

"There is no point in getting disappointed as the title will go to China's pocket," he said.

Asked about the match, Chen said," Before the match, I felt I had a chance but he is much more experienced than me. He has played in three world championships now. For me, it is my first and I know with time I will play better in future."

"I was nervous before the match and Lin seized more opportunities in crucial moments, which I couldn't," he added.