China started its charge for a clean sweep of five events at the
16th world badminton championships with world number four Chen Jin
disposing of Portugal's Marco Vsconcelos in men's singles in Kuala
Lumpur on Tuesday.
After enjoying a few byes on Monday, China won all six matches
on Tuesday.
Chen Jin, sixth seed, routed Portugal's Marco Vsconcelos 21-9,
21-5.
Chen, who was on his second world championships tour, aimed for
a champion in the 16th edition.
"Like my teammates, I'm no exception." said Chen, "Compared with
last year, I have gone through some losses and turn more
experienced. So I'm now mentally stronger."
Talking about the opponent in the second round Roslin Hashim M.
of Malaysia, Chen said: "Roslin is very tough, I have to get well
prepared."
Chen Yu, sixth seed, sent packing New Zealand's John Moody
21-13, 21-11 in men's singles.
Chen Yu, who just recovered from a fever, still felt dizzy
during the match. "But since the tourney has started, I will
gradually pick up my form."
Lu Lan, one of Chinese women's singles young hopefuls, pipped
Singapore's Xing Aiying 21-9, 21-15 and another Chinese youngster
Zhu Lin ousted Scot Susan Hughes 21-7, 21-14.
Tang Xuehua, Chinese women's singles coach, said: "The two girls
just played to their normal form. Since their opponents are not
strong enough, we can not judge if they can go on like this."
Chinese mixed doubles pair Xu Chen/Zhao Tingting enjoyed a
comfortable 21-9, 21-10 win against Valeriy Atrashchenkov/Elena
Prus of Ukraine.
Danish Peter showed Andrew Smith of England an early exit in the
first round of men's singles at 21-18, 21-10.
The world number six said if he advances to the quarter-final,
he has the winning chances against Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia.
On his goal, he said: "Of course I want to win. But I have to
focus on every singles match. I am not talking about the final. I
do focus on next match. We'll see. If I go to the quarter final, I
believe my chances."
Fourteenth seed Park Sung Hwan of South Korea downed Australian
Jeff Tho 21-14, 21-6 in the men's singles.
On Wednesday, most seeds will start their tour including China's
Lin Dan and Malaysia's Lee Chong Wei.
(Xinhua News Agency August 15, 2007)