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 leveled 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.

 

(Xinhua News Agency October 28, 2006)