WORLDS 2010 – Wang Lin ends hopes of Baun and Europe

Tine Baun exited the 2010 Yonex BWF World Championships today at the hands of Wang Lin (pictured left) of China as the Dane battled through the pain of a bad elbow injury in the vain attempt to claim the major championship gold that has eluded her thus far in her career.

Article and Interview by Mark Phelan (Live in Paris).  Photos: Badmintonphoto.com (Live)

The build-up to the first of the World Championship women’s semi-finals had badminton fans all over the world whispering tidings of a possible victory and the ultimate destruction of the Chinese women’s dominance in major championships as many believed this was to be the year for Denmark’s Tine Baun.

Ultimately, it was yet again not to be for Europe’s premier shuttler, who was struck down with a severe elbow injury ahead of the semi-final against number 7 seed Wang Lin. From the get-go it was patently obvious the Baun was lacking not only power but also her touch and feel in her racket arm as she struggled to stay with the pace set by Wang Lin.

The first set drifted away from Baun, who never managed to pressure the Chinese, who led from start to finish, closing it out 21-11.

In the second, the Chinese sensed that all was not well on the opposite side of the net, and forced her dominance home as she won 10 points in a row at 11-8 ahead to take the match and advance to the final, where China are now assured of both gold and silver. In what transpired to be a rather bizarre match, the Chinese shuttler was never behind at any point in either game. To her credit, Baun (pictured right) kept going to the bitter end but was visibly upset and disappointed after the loss as major championship gold is what she desires more than anything.

“I prepared very well for this match today and watched many videos of Tine. But in the end I was surprised I beat her so easily as she is truly a great player. We got new kits today for the semi-final and I was so happy to get blue as blue is my favourite colour,” said a delighted Wang Lin after her victory.

To hear Baun’s post match reaction click on the video link below:

For all results please click HERE