Tuesday, 24 Dec 2024

BWF News

China’s Lin Dan Returns to the World Superseries Stage

![Lin Dan](link to image)

China’s badminton superstar, Lin Dan, made a triumphant return to the MetLife BWF World Superseries circuit at the Yonex Open Japan 2014. After a two-year hiatus, Lin Dan emerged victorious in the Men’s Singles qualifying matches, securing his spot in the main draw. This marks his first appearance in a World Superseries event since the Yonex All England Open Superseries Premier in 2012.

A Challenging Road to Victory

In the opening qualifying round, Lin Dan faced off against Japanese player, Kazumasa Sakai. Despite being the overwhelming favorite, Lin Dan faced some unexpected resistance. Sakai took the first game with ease and managed to stay close in the second game. However, Lin Dan maintained a slim lead and eventually leveled the score. In the decisive third game, Lin Dan showcased his skill and experience, leaving Sakai behind with a final score of 12-21, 21-19, 21-7.

In the second round of qualifying, Lin Dan encountered a stubborn challenge from Malaysia’s Daren Liew. After a hard-fought battle in the first game, Lin Dan found his stride and cruised to a 21-18, 21-15 victory.

The Road Ahead

Joining Lin Dan in the main draw are qualifiers Riichi Takeshita and Kenta Nishimoto from Japan, as well as Shih Kuei Chun from Chinese Taipei. Shih Kuei Chun will face the top seed and defending champion, Lee Chong Wei, in the first round. With Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei in separate halves of the draw, a potential clash between these two badminton legends in the final is on the horizon.

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Exciting Women’s Singles Matches

In the Women’s Singles category, World Junior champion Akane Yamaguchi continues her title defense. Yamaguchi faced off against her compatriot Anna Doi and powered through with a convincing 21-14, 21-9 victory. In a thrilling contest against Yukino Nakai, Yamaguchi showcased her resilience and emerged victorious with a score of 21-17, 19-21, 21-15. Other qualifiers in the Women’s Singles category include Ayumi Mine, Haruko Suzuki from Japan, and Pai Yu Po from Chinese Taipei. The highlight of the first round will be a clash between Yamaguchi and the Olympic champion, Li Xuerui.

Men’s Doubles Qualifiers

Japan dominated the Men’s Doubles qualifying rounds, securing three out of four spots in the main draw. Takuro Hoki/Yugo Kobayashi, Hiroyuki Saeki/Ryota Taohata, and Takuto Inoue/Yuki Kaneko will be joined by the Indonesia-Japan duo of Alvent Yulianto Chandra/Shintaro Ikeda.

Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles

Among the Women’s Doubles qualifiers, the dynamic duo of Shendy Puspa Irawati and Vita Marissa from Indonesia stood out as the only non-Japanese pair. They were joined by Miri Ichimaru/Shiho Tanaka, Erika Aman/Haruko Suzuki, and Rira Kawashima/Saori Ozaki, who secured their spots with an impressive victory over Scotland’s Kirsty Gilmour/Imogen Bankier.

In the Mixed Doubles category, Yuta Watanabe and Arisa Higashino, who made it to the World Junior Mixed Doubles semi-finals, secured a place in the main draw. They will face fellow-qualifiers Ryota Taohata/Koharu Yonemoto. Watanabe/Higashino faced a thrilling first-round match against China’s Zhang Wen/Huan Xia, winning with a score of 21-11, 13-21, 22-20. They continued their winning streak, defeating compatriots Daisuke Suzuki/Midori Sakurai with a score of 21-17, 21-10.

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FAQs

  1. When was Lin Dan’s last appearance in a World Superseries event?
    Lin Dan’s last appearance in a World Superseries event was at the Yonex All England Open Superseries Premier in March 2012.

  2. Who will Lin Dan face in the first round of the Yonex Open Japan 2014?
    Lin Dan will face his compatriot Xue Song in the first round of the Yonex Open Japan 2014.

  3. Who are the top contenders in the Men’s Singles category?
    Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei are considered the top contenders in the Men’s Singles category.

Conclusion

It’s an exciting time for badminton fans as the Yonex Open Japan 2014 kicks off with a stellar lineup of players. With the return of Lin Dan and the presence of other badminton legends, this tournament promises to deliver thrilling matches and intense rivalries. Stay tuned for updates and witness the world’s top players compete for glory at the BWF World Superseries.