World No.1 Wang Shixian out of badminton worlds

China's Wang Shixian competes during her quarterfinal women's singles match against Cheng Shao Chieh of Chinese Taipei in 2011's Badminton World Championships at Wembley Arena, London, Britain, Aug. 12, 2011. Wang lost 0-2.





LONDON, Aug. 12 -- The women's singles world No.1 Wang Shixian from China was knocked out of the Badminton World Championships by Chinese Taipei player Cheng Shao Chieh on Friday in the quarterfinals.



The Asian Games champion Wang couldn't find her rhythm while against the seventh seed, losing the match 16-21, 17-21.



"I just couldn't play my own game while facing her," said Wang who also lost to Cheng in their most recent clash at Indonesia Open in June. "But I felt I played better than last time. I hope I could take the victory when we meet again."



Wang, 21, failed to repeat a semifinal finish of last year's World Championships while the 25-year-old Cheng managed to reach the same stage as she did at the 2005 World Championships.



"I did that once when I was young, I'm old now," Cheng joked. "I have never thought about the result, I'm just relaxed and enjoy badminton."



"I think Wang and other Chinese girls shoulder more pressures, but I have nothing to lose," said Cheng, who will meet the winner between Germany's ninth seed Juliane Schenk and Dane veteran Tine Baun.

(Xinhua)

'Super Dan' focused on London 2012

China's badminton star, Lin Dan, gets ready to shave during a Gillette press conference in Beijing. As one of the nation's most popular sports figures, Lin is a big attraction for different commercials.

BEIJING - The handsome face and muscular figure of Lin Dan make him an ideal candidate for the big screen.

However, the Chinese badminton superstar says any speculation about a career in the entertainment industry will have to wait until his on-court career ends.

"Right now, I'm just focused on the 2012 Olympic Games. I will not think about the possibility (of acting) as long as I'm still able to play the sport," said 27-year-old Lin during a press conference on Sunday organized by razor brand Gillette.

The reigning Olympic and world champion is determined to hold on until the 2012 London Olympics, even though he achieved a grand slam by winning the Asian Games in Guangzhou.

"I will try my best and hold on to play at the 2012 Olympic Games," said Lin, who won the MVP Award at the Asian Games thanks to his men's singles title and his overwhelming popularity with fans and the media.

"I know it will be a tough two years. I know rising stars and old foes will come up and pose bigger threats during my preparation. But I'm ready to accept the challenge," 'Super Dan' said.

The Asiad title was the only major crown missing from Lin's glittering resume, which includes one Olympic title and three consecutive world crowns.

He said the pressure going into the Asiad was even greater than that at the 2008 Beijing Games.

"I know lots of people expected me to pick up the title. There was big pressure on me," said Lin, who was upset by Malaysia's Hidayat Taufik in the Doha final four years ago. "So when I did it, I felt more excited than when I won the Olympic title."

(China Daily)

"Super Dan" suffers quarterfinal exit at badminton worlds

PARIS, Aug. 27 -- Three-time world champion Lin Dan of China was stunned by South Korea's Park Sung Hwan in the men's singles quarterfinals at the Badminton World Championships here on Friday.

The 13th seed Park upset Olympic champion Lin 21-13, 21-13, leaving Lin in his first failure at the World Championships since 2006.

"He played very well but my performance was below par," said Lin. "I made many mistakes during the match. Maybe I was not patient enough."

Park, 25, lost twice at the men's team event Thomas Cup finals this May, but dominated the encounter firmly on Friday. He had never render the lead to Lin after 2-2 tie in the opening set, then dropped the third seed behind comfortably after the 8-8 tie in the second set.

"I didn't felt regret, because I have never anticipated to clinch a four consecutive win at the World Championships," said the long-time top shuttler in China. "I just want to play well in every match."

Park is going to face Taufik Hidayatat from Indonesia as the former Olympic and world champion edged out World No.1 Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia 21-15, 11-21 and 21-12.

(Xinhua)