Lin Dan was surprisingly in the mood to take questions on his badminton career after he marched into Sunday’s final of the Maybank Malaysia Open where he will clash against Chen Long in an all-China affair.
But maybe Lin Dan’s demeanour was not so surprising today especially after his stunning victory over Jan O Jorgensen in the semi-final today.
Top seed and world champion Chen Long was the first to book his place in the final when he defeated compatriot Wang Zhengming 21-18, 21-16 in 36 minutes.
Lin Dan, however, had a much tougher time against World No 2 Jorgensen and toiled for 79 minutes before subduing the Dane 14-21, 21-19, 21-17.
“I want to win the Malaysian Open badly. It’s one title I want for many reasons. I will not be competing in the Singapore Open. I am fully focused on winning my first ever Malaysian Open and you can expect the best from me,” said Lin Dan at a post match press conference.
Asked about his Olympic plans, Lin Dan had everyone laughing with his reply when he said: “I have two Olympic gold medals…as for winning the third, it will depend on Chong Wei. If he goes I will go and we will both try to win the gold medal and become the oldest players to win the Olympic title.”
“I am not thinking of the Olympics yet.”
Lin Dan’s match was punctuated by some line calls which Super Dan said affected his game.
“I had no mood in the first game. The line officials kept interrupting the game and I lost my mood. In the second set it became harder for me because Jorgensen got better with his game before I found my rhythm,” said Lin Dan, who thanked the Malaysian fans for their support.
While Lin Dan was in high spirits, Jorgensen was sore over missing out on the final.
“I am disappointed. I threw it away, he (Lin Dan) did not win,” said the Dane, who has failed make it beyond the semi-finals in the Malaysia Open.
“I made far too many mistakes in the second set and failed to get back into rhythm. He didn’t win. He rode on my mistakes and it is frustrating “
SEMI-FINAL RESULTS
MEN’S SINGLES
Chen Long (Chn) beat Wang Zhengming (Chn) 21-18, 21-16;
Lin Dan (Chn) beat Jan O Jorgensen (Den) 14-21, 21-19, 21-17
