World number one Lin Dan defends World Cup title

China's world number one Lin Dan won second consecutive title at the IBF World Cup men's singles on Saturday after triumph in an all-Chinese final at Yiyang, Hunan province of south China.

Lin, who advanced into the final by a walkover match when long-time rival Hidayat Taufik of Indonesia quitted citing an injury, defeated fellow-Chinese Chen Yu 2-1 (21-19, 19-21, 21-17).

The world number one did not seem to be firing on all cylinders as he committed too many errors and allowed 11th-ranked Chen to score three straight points while leading 19-18 in the second game to concede a 21-19 loss, and the match was levelled at 1-1.

The tie-breaker was hotly contested at the opening period as the two traded the lead until the game was levelled at 8-8. But it was Lin that pulled away first for a 13-10 advantage and never looked back before sealing it at 21-17.

Lin, the winner here last year, won the opening game at 21-19.

Earlier, Lin's girlfriend, Xie Xingfang, lost to compatriot Wang Yihan 2-0 in the women's singles final.

Source: Xinhua