Kento Momota (L) and Lin Dan. (Photo: badmintonplanet.com) |
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Ranking
the world number 13, Lin lost to the current world number one Kento Momota of
Japan 2-0. He will meet again the Japanese shuttler in the first round of
Hong Kong Open in Hong Kong (China) next week.
In
Tuesday's match, Lin managed to lead 11-10 in the first set before Kento
Momota pulled away to win the set 21-15. In the second, Lin missed the key
shot and also the chance to turn down the game.
"I
really wanted to win this game. I was very much involved and played
aggressivly," said Lin, "the confidence went more to his side after
he won the first set. I didn't grab the chance while I led 17-13 in the
second set. We'll meet again next week. I hope I'll play stronger and put
more pressure on him."
Sixth
seed Chen Long met the challenge from young shuttler Kantaphon Wangcharoen
who once defeated Chen at Malaysian Open in June. Their second encounter runs
fiercely for 106 minutes.
Chen
lost the first set 21-17 but dominated the second set to win 21-12. He led
the decider 13-6 before conceding 10 straight points. Chen prevailed with his
smart shot at the crucial moments to seal the match.
"I
played so many games and perhaps this is the longest one," said Chen,
"it's getting tougher and tougher to win a point in the last few
minutes. It should not have been this long if I played more cautiously."
All
the Chinese shuttlers in women's singles, men's doubles and mixed doubles
showing up on Tuesday advanced to the next round.
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