Lin Dan and Chen Jin set to clash in Men’s Singles final of the Singapore Open Super Series 2011
China’s top shuttler, Lin Dan, is set to fight against compatriot and ruling World Champion, Chen Jin, in the Men’s Singles final of the Singapore Open Super Series 2011.
Lin, the World Number Two shuttler, defeated Peter Hoeg Gade of Denmark in a thrilling semi-final match which took 74 minutes, while Chen Jin outclassed younger compatriot, Wang Zhengming, in a straight-set semi-final encounter.
The Singapore Open is the only notable title which Lin Dan has not won in his career.
Peter Gade stretched Lin to a three-set match before losing the final set. It was the best match of the day, as both shuttlers are legends in the game. However, Lin exhibited better badminton in the last two sets by playing his usual game with powerful jump
smashes, to put the Danish on the back foot.
After winning the match, Lin said, “Both of us played to our best potential today. If I can play that well at Peter's age, I will be happy.”
He further added, “I'm sure the Singapore audience enjoyed an exhilarating game. This is what badminton should be about.”
Danish veteran, Peter Gade, failed to produce better badminton in the second and third set and lost the match to the firing Chinese. After the match, Gade said, “Against Lin Dan, you have to play well," said Gade who could only rue his missed chances. I
felt today was a good chance. In some parts of the game, he was insecure.”
In another semi-final showdown, Chen Jin proved that he is regaining his lost form, when he defeated Zhengming in tremendous fashion. He ousted Zhengming in just 34 minutes with a 21-17 and 21-11 score on the board.
While talking about his performance in the semi-final match, Jin said, “I think my form is getting better but I don't want to put too much pressure on myself.”
The final is expected to be a classic fight as the reigning World Champion will be up against the ruling Olympic Champion in the final of the Singapore Open.
Tags: