After winning a spot in the men's singles badminton quarterfinals at the Asian Games, the 23-year-old world champion walked off the court in his usual poker face.

China's Lin Dan falls on the ground after failing to save a shot from South Korea's Lee Hyun Il in their first singles game of badminton men's team final December 5, 2006. Lee beat Lin 21-14 and 21-16 in the first singles before China's Bao Chunlai won the third singles against South Korea's. Shon Seung Mo to lift China defeat the defending champion. [Xinhua]

"I could not win by a wide margin because I played few times against him. To him, I'm not as familiar as to (Hidayat) Taufik or Lee Chong Wei, so I needed to adapt to his tactics," Lin said after his 21-14, 21-16 win over Poompat Sapkulchananart from Thailand.

Talking about his first loss in Doha in the first singles between China and South Korea during the men's team final, Lin said "I thought a lot last night. I knew I lost the game because I was too eager to win. Therefore, I failed to patiently deal with every shot."

Nevertheless, Lin believed the defeat is beneficial to him. " From the loss, I learnt that I must try my best to keep calm on court. I should not be short tempered," said Lin.

Besides, Lin said "the loss enables me to recognize that Lee Hyun Il is in form. I have to prepare for another tough battle."

In the duel with World Championships semifinalist Lee Hyun Il on Tuesday, Lin could not get rid off a gritty Lee, losing the opener 20-22, 21-11, 13-21 before China toppled defending champion South Korea 3-2 in the men's team final.

If both Lin and Lee win the quarterfinals on Thursday, they are going to meet each other again in the semifinals.

Chinese team head coach Li Yongbo also said Lin's loss was good for the team as "other young shuttlers had the chance to play under pressure."

Although Lin is not in his top form, he has won two heart- stirring combats against Indonesian Olympic champion Taufik in the team's group stage and in the semifinals in Doha.