Superdan’s Back! – Malaysia Open: Men’s Singles Final
Lin Dan completed a stunning comeback from a prolonged spell of below-par results, capturing the Celcom Axiata Malaysia Open 2019 beating compatriot Chen Long in three games today.
· DEV SUKUMAR
For a player who couldn’t cross the second round of a top-tier World Tour event since the Japan Open in September last year – a string of eight early losses - Lin proved that he is far from being done at the elite level of the sport. In his first major World Tour final since the All England of 2018, Lin Dan showed the savviness that had won him five world championships and two Olympic gold medals.
Chen was the favourite going into the match, and through the early part of today’s final, had things under control. His impeccable defence appeared to wear Lin down, and the first game was in the bag quickly.
The complexion changed early in the second with Lin going for sharper angles; his wicked lefty half-smashes started to home in on the lines, and Chen struggled to adequately find a response.