Lin Dan, Taufik caught off guard as another enemy blows in
News 9:59 AM
CHINA’S Lin Dan and Indonesia’s Taufik Hidayat won their matches in contrasting styles against very much weaker opponents.
But their missions were more than just winning in the opening day of Thomas Cup action yesterday.
Lin Dan and Taufik made use of the short period of time they spent on court to get a feel of Putra Stadium and they said that the strong draught would be another enemy that they would have to deal with in the Finals.
Three-time world champion Lin Dan, who defeated Antonio De Vinatea 21-4, 21-6 in a Group A tie against Peru, said that he took his 20-minute match seriously.
“My opponent was not strong but I took this opportunity to play against him seriously. I tried all my strokes. Now, I have a better idea on what to expect in this stadium. It was a great warm-up session for me,” he said.
The reigning Asian champion Lin Dan added that he was bracing himself for a tough time against Park Sung-hwan in their final group fixture against South Korea tomorrow.
”South Korea are still a strong team even without their top doubles player, (Lee) Yong-dae. Our team have a day’s rest and will be ready for the battle against the Koreans,” said Lin Dan.
Former Olympic and world champion Taufik took a longer time to beat Jeff Tho in a Group D tie against Australia, winning 21-12, 21-12 in 26 minutes.
“The condition in the stadium was good to fly a kite,” said Taufik in jest.
“The wind was quite strong. But this is not an excuse for anyone. It will be the same for everyone and I just took my time to get a feel of the stadium.”
Taufik added that he was proud to be still playing for his country when others from his same batch had gone into coaching.
“China’s Xia Xuanxe and Ji Xinpeng are now coaches now but I am still competitive. I feel good about it that I can still contribute to my country,” said the world No. 5.
Taufik said that Indonesia were hopeful to regain the Thomas Cup they last won in 2002.
“It is possible for us to challenge the regular strong teams like China, South Korea, Malaysia and Denmark. We have good doubles players and it is for the singles players to deliver as well,” he said.
“I remember lifting the Thomas Cup for Indonesia here in Bukit Jalil in 2000. It has been 10 years. I am older but the fire to help my country win the Cup again has not diminished.”
But their missions were more than just winning in the opening day of Thomas Cup action yesterday.
Lin Dan and Taufik made use of the short period of time they spent on court to get a feel of Putra Stadium and they said that the strong draught would be another enemy that they would have to deal with in the Finals.
Three-time world champion Lin Dan, who defeated Antonio De Vinatea 21-4, 21-6 in a Group A tie against Peru, said that he took his 20-minute match seriously.
“My opponent was not strong but I took this opportunity to play against him seriously. I tried all my strokes. Now, I have a better idea on what to expect in this stadium. It was a great warm-up session for me,” he said.
The reigning Asian champion Lin Dan added that he was bracing himself for a tough time against Park Sung-hwan in their final group fixture against South Korea tomorrow.
”South Korea are still a strong team even without their top doubles player, (Lee) Yong-dae. Our team have a day’s rest and will be ready for the battle against the Koreans,” said Lin Dan.
Former Olympic and world champion Taufik took a longer time to beat Jeff Tho in a Group D tie against Australia, winning 21-12, 21-12 in 26 minutes.
“The condition in the stadium was good to fly a kite,” said Taufik in jest.
“The wind was quite strong. But this is not an excuse for anyone. It will be the same for everyone and I just took my time to get a feel of the stadium.”
Taufik added that he was proud to be still playing for his country when others from his same batch had gone into coaching.
“China’s Xia Xuanxe and Ji Xinpeng are now coaches now but I am still competitive. I feel good about it that I can still contribute to my country,” said the world No. 5.
Taufik said that Indonesia were hopeful to regain the Thomas Cup they last won in 2002.
“It is possible for us to challenge the regular strong teams like China, South Korea, Malaysia and Denmark. We have good doubles players and it is for the singles players to deliver as well,” he said.
“I remember lifting the Thomas Cup for Indonesia here in Bukit Jalil in 2000. It has been 10 years. I am older but the fire to help my country win the Cup again has not diminished.”
Posted by Lucas Liau
on 9:59 AM.
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