Though no.1 on paper, Lee Chong Wei remains the second best player in world badminton behind Lin Dan, the reigning World and Olympic champion. Lee was firmly put in his place by a dominant performance from Lin Dan in the just concluded China Open Super Series.
This was the first competitive tournament for Lin who took a long break from badminton after his gold medal winning feat in the Beijing Olympics. Lin showed no signs of rust or lack of match fitness as he glided around the court effortlessly.
For Lee, Lin remains his bogey player as he again was defeated, this time the score was not as lopsided as the Olympic final. It ended with Lin having the upper hand in straight games 21-18, 21-9.
Lee's performance in the match was sufficient to defeat any player but against Lin, something more was needed.
Lee started the match brightly but slowly Lin crept back the score and managed to nip the first game. The second game was smooth sailing as Lee appeared out of sorts and could not come up with his best game.
It is unfortunate for Lee to be playing in the same generation as Lin, for if Lin wasn't around Lee would be the undisputed no.1 in the game. Lin is now arguably one of the best players to ever play the game with his killer smashes and trademark explosive sudden burst of movement. Lin has won all the major tournaments to be won in badminton and he will surely be inducted into the hall of fame when he retires.
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