China makes clean sweep in badminton

Dinesh Weerawansa - Reporting From England

Invincible China made a clean sweep in the Olympic badminton competition at the Wembley Arena, winning all five gold medals that were on offer. In addition, they won two silver medals and a bronze to make it a total of eight medals while Denmark, Japan and Malaysia had a silver medal each.

Accomplishing the Chinese gold medal feast was Lin Dan who successfully defended his Olympic Games crown with another thrilling victory over rival Lee Chong Wei in the men’s Singles final yesterday. In a performance that reasserts his position as arguably the greatest player ever, the Chinese dug deep in a compelling third game to win 15-21 21-10 21-19.

Malaysia’s world number one Lee played a full part in an epic contest but was unable to avenge his defeats in the finals at Beijing 2008 and last year’s World Championships. Lin’s victory, completed in 79 energy-sapping minutes, made him the first man to retain an Olympic Games Singles title and kept China on course for a clean sweep of Badminton golds.

Lee, who in any other era might have won a handful of major titles, started superbly in his quest to finally get the better of Lin on the biggest stage. But some unforced errors crept into his game early in the second set and allowed Lin to take the match into a decider. The bronze medal was won by third seed Chen Long of China, who beat South Korea’s Lee Hyun-il 21-12 15-21 21-15.

On the previous day, China’s Li Xuerui completed her dream run by overcoming her illustrious compatriot Wang Yihan to win Olympic gold in women’s singles. The 21-year-old failed to convert two match points in the second game but managed to summon enough energy to clinch a draining women’s Singles final 21-15 21-23 21-17.

Wang, the world champion and world number one, had long seemed destined for the top prize but third seed Li’s form throughout the week had suggested she could cause an upset. Saina Nehwal of India took bronze as China were denied all three podium positions after an injury to second seed Wang Xin. Wang Xin jarred her knee late in the first game against fourth seed Nehwal and play was delayed for her to receive treatment.

Badminton is a major sport for which there was a great following in Sri Lanka as its overall captain Niluka Karunarate competed in men’s singles event. Though he could not make it to the quarter finals, Karunaratne sprang the biggest surprise at the Olympic badminton competition when he humbled world no.8 Kenichi Tago in straight sets.

The semi-final line-up in the women’s beach volleyball competition will see familiar faces, with the reigning world champions and the defending Olympic Games title holders both safely through to the final four.

Reigning world champions Larissa Franca and Juliana Silva of Brazil eased into the semi-finals after victory a 2-0 against Germany. The South Americans looked at their very best as they romped to the first set with 11 points to spare, but they blew a big lead in the second before just holding on for a 21-10 21-19 win in 41 minutes.

Next up for the Brazilians, who have yet to drop a set at Horse Guards, is a semi-final against Jennifer Kessy and April Ross of the United States on Tuesday. USA claimed a battling win over the Czech Republic with a 25-23 21-18 victory against Marketa Slukova and Kristyna Kolocova. Meanwhile, two athletic gold medals will be decided at Olympic Stadium today. Both the events will be two field events for men - high jump and discus throw. Women’s long jump final will decide the only athletic gold medal that will be on offer on Wednesday.

Another packed stadium is expected on Thursday in the men’s 200m final when Jamaicans will make endeavour to maintain their track supremacy.

LONDON, Monday.