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Team China

Lin Dan wins as China back on track at worlds

Updated: 2011-08-11 06:12

(Agencies/Xinhua)

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Lin Dan wins as China back on track at worlds

Lin Dan of China returns a a shot to Kestutis Navickas of Lithuania during the 2011 the badminton world championships in London, Aug 9, 2011. [Photo/titan24.com]

The Chinese team, winner of all five titles a year ago, had earlier steadied the boat on day two of the badminton world championships after Monday's shock defeat of fifth seeded Chen Long by Guatemala's Kevin Cordon.

Victories for Olympic champion Lin Dan and the women's top seed Wang Shixian restored the balance at Wembley Arena on Tuesday.

Olympic champion Lin Dan of China showed moments of sharp and agile defense coupled with quick reactions during a relaxed 21-11, 21-10 win over Kestutis Navickas of Lithuania.

The event is being played at the Wembley Arena stadium, which will also be used for next year's London Olympics, and Lin said his main focus is to prepare for his title defense at the games.

Lin, seeded two behind Malaysia's Lee Chong-wei, said "I just want to get the feel of the conditions here. I don't really mind about the world championships.

"Conditions in the hall are good and the drift and light are favourable for me. I feel comfortable here." said Lin Dan.

Wang Shixian looked light-footed and consistent in a 21-11, 21-14 win over Linda Zechiri of Bulgaria.

"It doesn't matter which country the opponents are from they can still be very good so I need to prepare well to face them." said the top-ranked women player.

All the Chinese top seeds in the three doubles events also made it safely through to the next round.

The Chinese team suffered a surprise quarter-finals exit in Paris in 2010 after three world titles in a row.

 

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