Date:10/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/10/stories/2008031059692100.htm

Sport - Badminton

Chen Jin, Rasmussen triumph

BIRMINGHAM: Defending champion Lin Dan of China slumped to a shock defeat in the final of the All England badminton championships, beaten 22-20, 25-23 by fourth-seeded compatriot Chen Jin on Sunday.

Chen went into the match with a 0-6 record against the World Champion but his task was made easier by some uncharacteristic errors from Lin.

The title-holder, who was wearing a knee strap, led 18-16 in the first game but Chen fought back to take the advantage and generally controlled the second game.

The All England women’s title went to unseeded World No. 9 Rasmussen of Denmark, who battled past third-seeded Lu Lan of China 21-11, 18-21, 22-20.

The mixed doubles was won for the third year running by the Chinese pair of Zheng Bo and Gao Ling, who beat No. 2 seeds Nova Widianto and Liliyana Natsir of Indonesia 18-21, 21-14, 21-9.

The results: Men: Singles: Final: Chen Jin bt Lin Dan 22-20, 25-23.

Women: Singles: Final: Rasmussen bt Lu Lan 21-11, 18-21, 22-20.

Mixed doubles: Final: Zheng Bo & Gao Ling bt Nova Widianto & Liliyana Natsir 18-21, 21-14, 21-9. — Agencies