WORLDS 2010 – Chen Jin eases in

Chen Jin had to wait longer than most to make his debut in these World Championships but he quickly found the pace of the shuttle and stadium against Finnish number one Ville Lang.

By Mark Phelan (Live in Paris)  Photos: Badmintonphoto.com (Live)

The number 4 seed sent out a clear message to any who may doubt his credentials as a contender for the championship as he looked cool, calm and collected on the TV court under the hot lights against a tricky and sometimes volatile opponent.

In the first set, after trading initial blows, Chen Jin stepped up a gear and pulled away to take the opener 21-14. In the second, the number 3 seed had to deal with the distraction of a footwear malfunction from Lang as he was clearly suffering with a defect in the heel of his shoe. The break in play lasted a handful of minutes before play was resumed with Lang now sporting an older white pair of shoes. The change in footwear made no obvious difference to the Finnish player as Chen Jin remained focused and ran out a 21-14, 21-14 winner. The Chinese world number 4 advances to a second round meeting with Kestutis Navickas after the Lituanian clawed his way back from a set down to beat Kieran Merrilees of Scotland.

“I injured my left leg recently in a China club game so I have come here only 80% fit. I’m very happy to advance to the next round and more than anything I want to win this title,” said a happy Chen Jin after his victory.

Speaking about the footwear incident Chen Jin commented “I have never had that type of incident in a tournament match before but I know that in training this type of thing has happened to me personally. This can happen with old shoes.”

For all results click HERE