Lin Dan captures 5th China Open title
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China.org.cn, November 28, 2011
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Lin Dan (R) and Chen Long (L) pose for photos after the China Open final on Sunday. |
Lin Dan edged teammate Chen Long, 21-17, 26-24 to win the US$350,000 Li Ning China Open final at Yuan Shen Gymnasium of Pudong, in Shanghai, on Sunday.
Despite all his successes on the court, for the four-time world champion and reigning Olympic and Asian Games gold medallists, Sunday's victory marks only the second time in his career that Lin Dan has won back-to-back OSIM BWF World Superseries tournaments.
It was also Lin Dan's third Superseries win of the year – he won the Korea Open in January as well.
Four years ago, Lin Dan won back-to-back Superseries titles at Korea Open and All England Open. Those were the first two of his now 15 Superseries titles.
It is still five short of the record held by his archrival Lee Chong Wei, but with Super Dan looking as sharp as ever, that mark could well be broken next year.
Lin Dan's victory also meant he is likely to finish the year as the world No. 2 behind Chong Wei, and also second in the OSIM BWF World Superseries rankings.
According to the Olympics quota rules, the top-ranked four singles players qualify automatically with three at maximum from each country or federation. So there was speculation before the tournament that Lin would make another "strategic" withdrawal to benefit his teammates.
However, yesterday's outcome indicates that big brother Lin Dan does not have to do Chen Long any more favours as the youngster has established himself and should make it to next year’s London Olympics as the World No. 3.
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