Chen Jin steps out of Lin Dan’s shadow
Chen Jin, Top News 10:59 AM
A PUMPED up Chen Jin of China pulled off a great win over
Indonesian Taufik Hidayat to emerge as the new men’s singles world
champion in Paris yesterday.
The 25-year-old Chen Jin pounded Taufik from all corners to chalk up a 21-13, 21-15 win in a 47-minute final.
It was the first major title for the third ranked Chinese player.
Smashing show:
China’s Chen Jin returning a shot during the men’s singles final against
Indonesia’s Taufik Hidayat.
“I was mentally strong and
I really came prepared to face him. I did not let Taufik play to his
advantage,” he said.
“I am happy to beat Taufik. But this overwhelming moment is just for now. There will be new challenges and I have to continue with my hard work for future tournaments.”
He may not be as expressive as others in showing his happiness but his determination was certainly evident on court.
Chen Jin showed his fire to win when he got off to an explosive start in both the games.
Holding a seven-point lead gave Chen Jin a great advantage as he was able to hold off an equally fired up Taufik.
Top of the world:
Champion Chen Jin (second from left) posing with silver medallist
Taufik Hidayat (left) and bronze medallists Park Sung-hwan and Peter
Gade (right).
Taufik tried his best to break Chen Jin’s
momentum but the Chinese always found a way to stay one step ahead of
the Indonesian.
The breakthrough win for Chen Jin finally got him out of Lin Dan’s shadow after having played second fiddle to his illustrious compatriot for the last six years.
On whether he had earned the tag as the next Lin Dan of China, the two-time world junior champion (2002 and 2004) said: “I do not want to be compared to Lin Dan. He is Lin Dan and Chen Jin is Chen Jin.
“Yes, Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei (of Malaysia) are always winning titles and reaching the final. So for me to be able to win today is good. I always look up to four players – Lin Dan, Chong Wei, Peter (Gade Christensen of Denmark) and Taufik.
“To beat Taufik today has given me some confidence to further progress in my career.”
Chen Jin will put his winning efforts behind him and look ahead.
“I will get back home to work on preparing for the Asian Games in Guangzhou. That is my main goal now,” he said.
Taufik took the defeat all in his stride.
“He is a powerful player and played really well today. My congratulations to him for winning the world title,” said the 2005 champion.
“I did quite a lot of mistakes. But I knew the odds were against me as I know Chen Jin is a strong player.
“I will be getting ready for my fourth Asian Games. I cannot believe that after 16 years, I will be still playing in the Asiad. It has been a long time but I am still looking forward to it.”
Taufik was the Asiad gold medallist in 2002 (Busan) and 2006 (Doha).
The 25-year-old Chen Jin pounded Taufik from all corners to chalk up a 21-13, 21-15 win in a 47-minute final.
It was the first major title for the third ranked Chinese player.
Smashing show:
China’s Chen Jin returning a shot during the men’s singles final against
Indonesia’s Taufik Hidayat. “I am happy to beat Taufik. But this overwhelming moment is just for now. There will be new challenges and I have to continue with my hard work for future tournaments.”
He may not be as expressive as others in showing his happiness but his determination was certainly evident on court.
Chen Jin showed his fire to win when he got off to an explosive start in both the games.
Holding a seven-point lead gave Chen Jin a great advantage as he was able to hold off an equally fired up Taufik.
Top of the world:
Champion Chen Jin (second from left) posing with silver medallist
Taufik Hidayat (left) and bronze medallists Park Sung-hwan and Peter
Gade (right). The breakthrough win for Chen Jin finally got him out of Lin Dan’s shadow after having played second fiddle to his illustrious compatriot for the last six years.
On whether he had earned the tag as the next Lin Dan of China, the two-time world junior champion (2002 and 2004) said: “I do not want to be compared to Lin Dan. He is Lin Dan and Chen Jin is Chen Jin.
“Yes, Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei (of Malaysia) are always winning titles and reaching the final. So for me to be able to win today is good. I always look up to four players – Lin Dan, Chong Wei, Peter (Gade Christensen of Denmark) and Taufik.
“To beat Taufik today has given me some confidence to further progress in my career.”
Chen Jin will put his winning efforts behind him and look ahead.
“I will get back home to work on preparing for the Asian Games in Guangzhou. That is my main goal now,” he said.
Taufik took the defeat all in his stride.
“He is a powerful player and played really well today. My congratulations to him for winning the world title,” said the 2005 champion.
“I did quite a lot of mistakes. But I knew the odds were against me as I know Chen Jin is a strong player.
“I will be getting ready for my fourth Asian Games. I cannot believe that after 16 years, I will be still playing in the Asiad. It has been a long time but I am still looking forward to it.”
Taufik was the Asiad gold medallist in 2002 (Busan) and 2006 (Doha).
Posted by Lucas Liau
on 10:59 AM.
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