Courtesy of NST.
Even the writer is not convinced.
Badminton / Singapore Open: Lin Dan pullout mars show
2011/06/20
K.M. Boopathy
boopathy@nstp.com.my
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Lin Dan (left) of China stands in front of the spectators to announce his pullout from the Singapore Open men’s singles final while compatriot Chen Jin looks on yesterday. — AFP picture
IT is not unusual to see China ace Lin Dan conceding a walkover in a tournament but it is the first time he has done so in a final and allowed compatriot Chen Jin to record his first title in almost a year in the Singapore Open yesterday.
Tournament referee Ernest Robinson confirmed that Lin Dan was unable to play in the final due to gastroenteritis but the Olympic champion was nonetheless booed by the spectators. He put on a brave front and apologised to them.
"I can understand the reaction from the crowd. I will come again next year to Singapore," said Lin Dan.
It's interesting to note that Lin Dan did the same during the Malaysia Open quarter-finals in January where he conceded a walkover to Chen Long, claiming an abdominal muscle injury which made it easier for Lee Chong Wei to capture the title. However, Lin Dan made a quick recovery to deny Chong Wei the Korea Open crown the following week.
Chong Wei had learnt his lessons and decided to skip the German Open in March to focus on his All England title defence.
Lin Dan went on to win the German Open, beating Chen Jin but the former was at the receiving end, going down to Chong Wei in the All England final.
Knowing it' was virtually impossible to win back-to-back titles, Chong Wei wisely skipped the Singapore Open to go for the Indonesia Open which starts today in Jakarta.
It remains to be seen if an ailing Lin Dan will make his customary super fast recovery to challenge Chong Wei in Jakarta before the World Championships in London on Aug 8-14.
Lin Dan has not officially withdrawn from the Indonesia Open, which will only be known today.
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