“My coach just told me to make sure I got to 21 points and that was my main goal,” says Dan PHOTO: AFP/FILE
Badminton superstar Lin Dan of China moved effortlessly through to the second round of the world championships in Guangzhou, China yesterday, putting in a powerful performance after a year on the sidelines.
The reigning world champion trounced American Sattawat Pongnairat 21-6, 21-9 and although the Chinese player was hardly stretched, the man regarded by many as the sport’s best ever player showed flashes of classic play.
Lin stays on course to meet arch rival Lee Chong Wei from Malaysia if both make it to the tournament final after being placed in opposite halves of the draw. World number one Lee also beat his first round opponent, dispatching Ireland’s Scott Evans 21-11, 21-15
“I didn’t slow down the pace at any point,” said Lin after the match.
“My coach just told me to make sure I got to 21 points and that was my main goal.”
Published in The Express Tribune, August 6th, 2013.
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