Thomas Cup: Lin Dan and Co set new marks with smashing win

CHINA’S superstar Lin Dan pulled off a historic feat en route to steering his country to their fifth consecutive Thomas Cup title at the Wuhan Sports Gymnasium Centre yesterday.

China blasted South Korea 3-0 in the final to equal Indonesia’s record of winning five-in-a-row and an impressive nine Cup triumphs in total.

The three points came from their Olympic medal hopefuls Lin Dan, Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng and Chen Long, who all won in straight games.

For Lin Dan, the victory was his 16th major world title (Thomas Cup, Sudirman Cup, World Championships, Olympics and World Cup), surpassing women’s doubles shuttler Gao Ling’s feat of 15 to become the top Chinese player of all time.

Leading the way: Lin Dan in action against Korea’s Lee Hyun-il during their men’s singles match of the Thomas Cup final at Wuhan Sports Centre Sunday. Lin Dan won 21-14, 21-17. -GLENN GUAN/The Star

Despite the staggering achievement, China are not satisfied.

They want more and plans are already underway to go one better than Indonesia by winning their sixth Thomas Cup in a row and be officially recognised as the best and most consistent team in the world.

The good news is that their most successful players, Lin Dan and Cai Yun-Haifeng, will still be part of their plan. The trio have been in every Thomas Cup winning team since 2004 and are determined to stick around for one more.

The win over South Korea yesterday was expected as China had been impressive throughout the Finals. Lin Dan started the ball rolling with a superb burst of power to beat Lee Hyun-il 21-14, 21-17 in 54 minutes in front of 25,000 adoring fans.

There was a moment of anxiety in the second game when Hyun-il, who had trailed 3-12 at one stage, caught up at 17-17 but four sloppy mistakes by the Korean saw Lin Dan trooping out as the deserving winner.

Doubles superstars Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng extended the lead to 2-0 when they defeated the scratch pair of Lee Yong-dae and his new partner Kim Sa-rang 21-16, 25-23 in a thrilling game.

It had everything – fast paced action, fiery attacks, solid defence, amazing jabs and crafty netplay. But in the end, three weak service returns by the experienced Yong-dae at the crucial stage saw the China pair storming to victory as the fans erupted in joy.

All then waited with bated breath for Chen Long to slam dunk the winning point but he took his time, toying with his opponent Shon Wan-ho. He finally sealed it 21-9, 21-13 after a drab 52-minute slog.

Lin Dan, thrilled with his 16th major title, said it would not be his last Thomas Cup campaign.

Lin Dan (centre) holds aloft the Thomas Cup as his team-mates celebrate on the podium after defeating South Korea 3-0 in the final in Wuhan. -Reuters

“I don’t know how much longer I can keep going but I’m looking at winning it for the sixth time. I value my participation in this Finals as it was the last for Hyun-il, Peter (Gade Christensen and Taufik Hidayat. It has been great having such talented players for company,” he said.

“The Olympic Games are just two months away. I will compete in the Thailand and Indonesia Opens and do my best to be in the form that saw me winning the 2008 Beijing gold.”

China chief coach Li Yongbo said: “Lin Dan and Cai Yun-Haifeng let their experience do the talking and are great role models for the youngsters.

“These senior players have not told me of their retirement plans. I want them to stay on until the next Thomas Cup Finals. We will have a special programme for them. But I will respect their decision if they want to leave after the London Olympics. I guess, it all depends on the outcome in London. If they do well, they will stay on.

“We have done well to equal Indonesia’s record of five wins in a row. It isn’t easy to remain unbeaten for 10 years. But we want to surpass this record. Only when we win for the sixth time will I consider it a big success.”

There were more records for China yesterday. It was the Thomas Cup team’s first victory at home and a first double at home as their women’s counterpart had won the Uber Cup crown a day earlier.

Courtesy of The Star