China's Lin Dan defended his title at the world badminton championships, beating Sony Dwi Kuncoro of Indonesia 21-11, 22-20 in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.

 

 

World number one Lin retained the title following a 50-minute duel.

 

"Ever since 2001, I have never won any titles in Malaysia. Last year after I won the world champion in Madrid. When I learned that the 2007 worlds will be held in Malaysia, I thought this should be a tough challenge for me," said Lin.

 

"I think breaking the jinx is not only good for myself but for the whole team because the Chinese team has not done very good job in Malaysia yet."

 

"Last year in the Malaysian Open, I lost to Lee Chong Wei even when I led 20-13. I got emotional at that time and some spectators began to get sick of me. In this worlds, spectators booed me in the first two rounds but then they began to support me in the semifinal and final. I am happy about that," said Lin.

 

Lin hugged his girlfriend Xie Xingfang after the match. Xie was upset by host player Wong Mew Choo 21-10, 21-8 in the women's singles quarter-finals.

 

Sony was obviously disappointed, reluctant to say more words.

 

"In the first game, I try to keep Lin moving in the court and look for opportunities to beat him but Lin is so good," said Sony. "In the second, I stepped up the pace but it's not that easy. I am physically tired but mentally not."

 

Sony edged China's Chen Yu in three sets in the semifinal.

 

"We know if Lin has no pressure, nobody can beat him," said Hendrawan, coach of Sony. "Sony has learned a lot of experience."

 

Hendrawan added: "In the second game, I told Sony to play faster, and to prove what you play in the training sessions but no use. Sony played better but still lost."

 

 

(Xinhua News Agency August 20, 2007)