WORLD badminton legend Lin Dan proved that even in retirement, class remains permanent.
The man many regard as the sport’s greatest ever turned back the clock on Sunday, teaming up with Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go to score a 15-13 comeback win over Japanese icons Yuki Fukushima and Chiharu Shida in an exhibition match that headlined the FDG Cup’s 20th anniversary finale at Opus Mall.
'Super Dan' thrills fans
Lin’s return alone was enough to excite Filipino badminton fans as it marked the Chinese superstar’s first appearance in the Philippines in 20 years.
But the two-time Olympic champion made sure to give the crowd something more.
Facing a decorated Japanese women’s doubles duo in former world No. 1 Fukushima and Paris Olympic bronze medalist Shida, Lin and Go stumbled out of the gates as their opponents raced to a 5-0 advantage.
With Lin orchestrating the comeback, the pair reeled off points to draw level at 5-5 before engaging Fukushima and Shida in a tense race to 15.
The match remained on a knife’s edge until the closing stretch, but then came a familiar sight.
‘Super Dan,’ winner of five World Championships, six All-England crowns and the sport’s only Super Grand Slam, uncorked a trademark smash that pushed his side ahead, 13-12, for its first lead of the exhibition.
The crowd erupted as the badminton icon flashed the brilliance that once kept him atop the world rankings for 237 weeks.
Go then provided the final flourish.
After another rally extended the lead, the Finance secretary and namesake of the annual tournament produced a soft touch at the net that landed perfectly for match point, sealing the 15-13 victory and drawing loud cheers from the unsung flock of Filipino badminton fans in attendance.
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