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November 23, 2009

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Home » Sports » Badminton

Lin, Jiang shine in Shanghai

Source: Xinhua | November 23, 2009, Monday | Print Edition

CHINA'S Lin 'Super' Dan grabbed his fourth Super Series title of the season with an easy victory over Denmark's Jan Jorgensen in the final of the US$250,000 China Open in Shanghai yesterday.

China also won the women's crown when Jiang Yanjiao edged teammate Wang Xin 21-18, 22-20 in the final.

Lin's win was good news for his girlfriend Xie Xingfang, the twice world champion who officially brought the curtain down on her career in a ceremony at the tournament yesterday.

"Now Lin Dan's job is to earn money and I am responsible for spending it," the 28-year-old former No. 1 and Beijing Olympic silver medalist told local media on Saturday.

Lin, already a winner of the All England, China Masters and French Super Series titles this year, easily dispensed with world No. 12 Jorgensen 21-12, 21-12 in his first encounter with the Dane.

Lin was naturally excited with his triumph.

"I am happy that I won. I was troubled by injury all through the tournament, and I also feel tired because of the tight schedule. Anyway, winning a championship at home is always exciting," he said.

Jorgensen, who had earlier dispatched world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia and Chinese fourth seed Chen Jin, seemed satisfied with his performance.

"It was a tough game and I hadn't expected to reach the final in this tournament, starting with beating Lee Chong Wei. Beating Chen Jin yesterday was a big achievement and I am just happy to have reached the final. I got the chance to play him (Lin Dan) and it was amazing."

Olympic and world champion Lin could be in for another bumper payday at next month's US$500,000 Super Series Masters finals in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

In contrast to the rather one-sided men's final, the women's clash was a close affair with neither?Jiang nor Wang able to establish a decisive lead.

They went level until 18-18 in the first game and then Jiang managed to grab two key points, with Wang's error gifting her the first game.

Jiang took a seemingly decisive 14-10 lead in the second only for Wang to stage a mini-rally and get even at 15-15. She may even have been dreaming of victory after taking an 18-15 lead but Jiang saved two game points to level the score at 20-20. The eventual winner then knocked down two more points to secure the victory.

Both players being left-handed, their playing style is similar and they have been friends since they were kids.

"We are too familiar with each other," said Jiang. "We grew up together, and have played against each other so many times."
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