體壇英語資訊：Super Dan eyeing a new record at National Games

Chinese top shuttler Lin Dan is closing in on a new record after he stormed into men's singles finals of badminton tournament at the 11th Chinese National Games here on Saturday. As a record winner of three consecutive world championships, Linis chasing another record -- the first player to defend men's singles title in National Games history.

Lin, who represents People's Liberation Army, overcame world No.4 Chen Jin from Jiangsu 21-17, 15-21, 21-7 in a 82-minute semifinal duel. This was a replay of the semifinal of last National Games when Lin defeated Chen to advance into the finals then lifted the title after pipping Bao Chunlai from Hunan.

Bao notched up the other semi after taking down Hu Yun from Hong Kong 21-14, 21-6.

"Bao has clinched several titles this year and is now in good shape," said second world ranked Lin. "The final could be a fierce battle."

Bao was tortured by knee injury earlier this year but still managed to be crowned in Asian Championships in April, Singapore Super Series in June, and Japan Super Series in September.

Elsewhere, Wang Lin from Zhejiang beat Jiangsu's Wang Shixian towin women's singles title.

The World No. 1 lost the first game 21-16 but managed to turn around the situation to win in the second at 21-18. In the decider, the 21-year-old Wang led all the way and never looked back to secure a comfortable win at 21-11.

Wang Lin, who topped the world ranking since last month, revenged on Wang Shixian as the former lost to the latter in China Masters final in September.

Newly crowned world champion Zhao Tingting got a prefect ending to her 20-odd years career. She paired up with Olympic bronze medalist He Hanbin to win mixed doubles title.

Zhao and He, who represent People's Liberation Army, lost the first set 21-14 to Hunan's Zheng Bo and Tian Qing, but reversed the situation to win the second at 21-8. The decider proved to be a seesaw battle as the two sides even levelled at 19-19 before Zhao and He notched up the game at 21-19.

"This is my third and last National Games. After that, I will retire." said Zhao, who will take up college studies shortly after a break.

"After I took the women's doubles gold in this year's world championships, I do not put myself under pressure anymore. Maybe relaxation did some help during my trip this time at the National Games," added she. "Anyway, it's a perfect ending for me."

Guangdong veteran Liu Jian took women's singles bronze medal after beating Li Wen from Hubei 21-10, 20-22 and 21-13. And she did a better job in team event as she helped Guangdong win a silver medal earlier on Tuesday.

In men's doubles, Olympic silver medalist Fu Haifeng paired up with Zhu Lihua to advance into the men's doubles finals. The other final berth went to Cai Yun and Xu Chen of Jiangsu.

As for women's doubles, the Beijing Olympic champions Du Jing and Yu Yang will meet Zhao Yunlei and Wang Xiain from Hubei in the finals.

Chinese top shuttler Lin Dan is closing in on a new record after he stormed into men's singles finals of badminton tournament at the 11th Chinese National Games here on Saturday. As a record winner of three consecutive world championships, Linis chasing another record -- the first player to defend men's singles title in National Games history.

Lin, who represents People's Liberation Army, overcame world No.4 Chen Jin from Jiangsu 21-17, 15-21, 21-7 in a 82-minute semifinal duel. This was a replay of the semifinal of last National Games when Lin defeated Chen to advance into the finals then lifted the title after pipping Bao Chunlai from Hunan.

Bao notched up the other semi after taking down Hu Yun from Hong Kong 21-14, 21-6.

"Bao has clinched several titles this year and is now in good shape," said second world ranked Lin. "The final could be a fierce battle."

Bao was tortured by knee injury earlier this year but still managed to be crowned in Asian Championships in April, Singapore Super Series in June, and Japan Super Series in September.

Elsewhere, Wang Lin from Zhejiang beat Jiangsu's Wang Shixian towin women's singles title.

The World No. 1 lost the first game 21-16 but managed to turn around the situation to win in the second at 21-18. In the decider, the 21-year-old Wang led all the way and never looked back to secure a comfortable win at 21-11.

Wang Lin, who topped the world ranking since last month, revenged on Wang Shixian as the former lost to the latter in China Masters final in September.

Newly crowned world champion Zhao Tingting got a prefect ending to her 20-odd years career. She paired up with Olympic bronze medalist He Hanbin to win mixed doubles title.

Zhao and He, who represent People's Liberation Army, lost the first set 21-14 to Hunan's Zheng Bo and Tian Qing, but reversed the situation to win the second at 21-8. The decider proved to be a seesaw battle as the two sides even levelled at 19-19 before Zhao and He notched up the game at 21-19.

"This is my third and last National Games. After that, I will retire." said Zhao, who will take up college studies shortly after a break.

"After I took the women's doubles gold in this year's world championships, I do not put myself under pressure anymore. Maybe relaxation did some help during my trip this time at the National Games," added she. "Anyway, it's a perfect ending for me."

Guangdong veteran Liu Jian took women's singles bronze medal after beating Li Wen from Hubei 21-10, 20-22 and 21-13. And she did a better job in team event as she helped Guangdong win a silver medal earlier on Tuesday.

In men's doubles, Olympic silver medalist Fu Haifeng paired up with Zhu Lihua to advance into the men's doubles finals. The other final berth went to Cai Yun and Xu Chen of Jiangsu.

As for women's doubles, the Beijing Olympic champions Du Jing and Yu Yang will meet Zhao Yunlei and Wang Xiain from Hubei in the finals.