Lin ensures a all-Chinese final in women’s singles

Paris: China’s Lin Wang destroyed Tine Baun’s hopes of reaching the final by thrashing the Dane in straight games 21-11, 21-8 here in the semi-finals of the World Championships here on Saturday.

Wang’s entry into the final also ensured an all-Chinese final in the women’s singles as the other semi-finals also pits Xin Wang and Shixian Wang, both Chinese against each other. Denmark’s Tine’s was reduced to tears after the match as she struggled for words to describe possibly her worst defeat in a semi-final clash. “I just struggled through the match,” said Tine, wiping back her tears. “Lin was just too good.” Lin Wang, a semi-finalist at the last 2009 World Championships was in complete control of the match from the first game when she took a 10-4 lead. Baun was uncharacteristically error-prone. The back court which is a strong point for the Dane became her biggest weakness as she made wrong line judgments giving away precious points. Even her net play, normally very sound was also error-prone. Wang just kept pushing the level and at 19-11, there was no way the Dane could have made a come back in the first game. The Chinese number seven seed clinched the game at 21-11. Hopes of a comeback were sustained as Baun made Wang stretch a bit in the second game and kept pace till 5-6. But then the errors began and at 8-12 frustration crept into the tall Danish player’s game. Wang, meanwhile, started rotating her shot play and made full use of the court and used the smash to deadly effect. Trailing at 9-18, Tine finally threw in the towel and with two weak returns gave the match away to the rampaging Lin Wang 21-11, 21-8. “I will try and come out of the disappointment,” said Tine. “I am happy with the bronze medal but I could have done better.” Lin was ecstatic about making the final. As the 7th seed, she had taken the tournament step by step. The final came as a bonus. “I was prepared for the match against Tine,” she said. “I played well and won.” On the Chinese domination, she said, “Yes, players like Tine and Saina Nehwal are doing well but we will keep producing top players.” In the mixed doubles, Zheng Bo and Ma Jin qualified for the finals after defeating South Korea’s Ko Sung Hyun and Ha Eun Jung 15-21, 21-11, 21-16 in 72 minutes and will take on Ho Hanbin and Yu Yang in another all-Chinese final. Ho Hanbin and Yu Yang defeated Lee Sheng Mu and Chien Yu Chin of Chinese Taipei 21-13, 21 to qualify for the final. Despite losing the first game, the Chinese pair oozed with confidence and look good for the title with their strong defensive play, especially Ma Jin at the net. “We were not worried after losing the first game as we knew that we could beat them and it was just a matter of getting our act together,” said Zheng Bo. “Our confidence was further boosted with the presence of our chief coach Li Yongbo at the back of the courts and he kept encouraging us all the way besides providing us with invaluable tips. “As for the final, really one pair has to win and the other will lose. We are prepared for such eventualities but will give it our best shot tomorrow.” PTI