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'Super Dan' lost in China Open Final

( chinadaily.com.cn )

Updated: 2014-11-17

Chinese badminton star Lin Dan is used to dominating his opponents and the games, but after the final of the China Open on the afternoon of Nov 16, he was the one who was left out of the triumphal celebrations.

'Super Dan' lost in China Open Final

Indian badminton player Kidambi Srikanth smiles after winning the men's singles final at the China Open in Fuzhou, Nov 16. [Photo/Xinhua]

Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth stunned Lin with two straight sets 21-19, 21-17 to claim the men's singles title in Fuzhou, Fujian province.

"I really want to retain the title in Fuzhou. But unfortunately (I didn't). But it is OK, I'll take another shot next year."

Lin attributed the loss to inadequate training.

"I didn't play as fast as I was supposed to. Since the Asian Games, I haven't been practicing on a regular basis. And I got hurt not long before," he said.

"I just hope I can have a good training plan over winter, adjust my rhythm and get ready for next year."

It is Lin's first loss in the tournament's singles finals. He was perfect in the previous five.

In his sixth China Open final appearance, Lin failed to match his opponent's morale down the stretch, such that the 21-year-old Indian got the upper hand after a 19-tie and 15-tie in each sets.

Srikanth said he feels humble beating Lin, who is two-time Olympic Champion and five-time world-champion.

"It is like a dream come true. I am so thrilled to be able to play in the finals and even defeating Lin. I mean, he is a world champion," he said.

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