Lin Dan suffers season`s third loss at China Masters

Changzhou (China): Four-time world champion Lin Dan of China suffered his third loss in this season as he was stopped by teammate Chen Jin in the semi-finals at the China Masters here Saturday.

Earlier, the only non-Chinese top four in men`s singles Peter Hoeg Gade of Denmark was ousted by Chinese Chen Long. Therefore, Chinese shuttlers had secured one-two in men`s singles no matter what the result of Lin-Chen clash. Lin, who blasted past Japan`s Sho Sasaki 21-15, 21-6 Friday, was obviously not in form as he squandered three game points in the first game before losing it 23-25. In the second game, Lin still didn`t find back his rhythm, losing quickly 15-21. Lin only had two losses before the match against Chen this year, one was the final at the All-England Open to World No.1 Lee Chong Wei, the other was the second round at the Indonesia Open to Sasaki. "Yesterday`s match was against foreign player, but this match was within our team, it is different. The gold has already belonged to China," 28-year-old Lin was quoted as saying by Xinhua. Chen Jin said: "Lin`s physical condition was not in the best, and after taking the gold at the World Championships, maybe Lin`s desire to win is not so strong in this tournament." Chen Jin will play Chen Long in Sunday`s final. IANS