China's Lin Dan celebrates his
victory over compatriot Chen Jin after their men's singles final match at
the Korea Open Badminton in Seoul January 28, 2007. [Reuters]
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SEOUL - China's world number one Lin Dan powered his way to the men's singles
title at the $300,000 Korea Open on Sunday with a straightforward 21-14 21-19
victory over compatriot Chen Jin.
Lin, who made a shock early exit in Malaysia two weeks ago, started slowly in
both sets but stormed back with jump smashes and sharp-angled shots that had the
crowd roaring its approval.
Claiming the last point to take the title, Lin dropped to the floor with his
jersey pulled over his face.
"I really played hard at the Korea Open because I didn't do well in
Malaysia," Lin said through an interpreter after the game.
"Besides, the prize money here is bigger," he said with a smile.
Lin had been sent packing early in the Malaysian Open by an unseeded South
Korean, leaving the way open for Denmark's veteran Peter Gade-Christensen to
take the title.
The Dane withdrew from the Korea Open because of a stomach problem.
"I look forward to a match-up with him," Lin said.
Chinese pair Gao Ling and Zheng Bo edged past Kamilla Rytter Juhl and Thomas
Laybourn of Denmark in a closely-fought mixed doubles final 22-20 21-19.
Laybourn was unable to mask his frustration throughout the match as the
fiercely competitive Danish pair succumbed to the precision of the Chinese
champions, even as the crowd cheered on the underdog.
China's world number two Xie Xingfang breezed past compatriot Zhu Lin to win
the women's singles title 21-14 21-7.
In women's doubles, world number one pair Gao Ling and Huang Sui of China
came from behind to record a thrilling win against world second-ranked Yang Wei
and Zhang Jiewen 12-21 21-14 21-16, making Gao a two-times champion at the Korea
Open.
In the all-South Korean men's doubles final, Jung Jae-sung and Lee Yong-dae
overcame Lee Jae-jin and Hwang Ji-man 21-16 21-15.