Lin stays on title track as Marin crashes out

Okuhara to face Saina Nehwal in women’s singles

AFP, GLASGOW: Lin Dan stayed on course for a record-breaking sixth men's singles title at the World Championships in Glasgow on Friday with a straight games quarter-final win over Hong Kong's Wong Wing Ki Vincent in Glasgow.

But Carolina Marin's reign came to a surprise end following a 19-21, 21-14, 15-21 defeat to Japan's Nozomi Okuhara.

Marin, champion in 2014 and 2015 and Olympic gold medallist last year, had come through two easy matches but more than met her match against the dogged no.7 seed.

“I am very happy, but also very tired," said Okuhara. "Carolina is a very speedy player. At the start of the third and in tough points in the match I was telling myself 'You can do it, you can do it!' Now I want the gold medal.”

Lin, 33, hasn't won the title since 2013, but the Chinese veteran is guaranteed at least a bronze medal after the 21-17, 21-18 victory.

After two three game matches, Lin was delighted to get on and off court within the hour.

“I really enjoyed today's match," he said. "I am very happy that I managed to minimise my opponent's performance. It was good to get it done quicker today and I expect to perform fully to my 100 percent tomorrow.”

In the semi-finals, he clashes with the new world No.1 from South Korea, Son Wan Ho. Lin's first world medal was a silver in 2005 -- he then won the title in 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2013.

For Son, it is the prospect of a first major title that spurs him on. He cruised past Kidambi Srikanth 21-14, 21-18. “Today I am really happy with my performance and to reach my first world semi-final,” he said. “I will now prepare really hard for my match against Lin Dan.”

In the bottom half, China's defending champion and Olympic gold medalist, Chen Long, will meet the last European hope, Denmark's Viktor Axelsen.

Axelsen needed three games to overcome Chou Tien Chen 21-18, 20-22, 21-16, but Chen beat compatriot Tian Houwei much more easily, 21-12, 21-17.

In the women's singles, Okuhara will meet India's Saina Nehwal - she knocked out local hope Kirsty Gilmour - and Chen Yufei continued to knock out higher seeds.

Following her win over favourite Akane Yamaguchi on Thursday, the teenager came from behind to beat Thailand's Ratchanok Intanon.

 

Lin stays on title track as Marin crashes out

Okuhara to face Saina Nehwal in womens singles

AFP, GLASGOW: Lin Dan stayed on course for a record-breaking sixth mens singles title at the World Championships in Glasgow on Friday with a straight games quarter-final win over Hong Kongs Wong Wing Ki Vincent in Glasgow. But Carolina Marins reign came to a surprise end following a 19-21, 21-14, 15-21 defeat to Japans Nozomi Okuhara. Marin, champion in 2014 and 2015 and Olympic gold medallist last year, had come through two easy matches but more than met her match against the dogged no.7 seed. I am very happy, but also very tired, said Okuhara. Carolina is a very speedy player. At the start of the third and in tough points in the match I was telling myself You can do it, you can do it! Now I want the gold medal. Lin, 33, hasnt won the title since 2013, but the Chinese veteran is guaranteed at least a bronze medal after the 21-17, 21-18 victory. After two three game matches, Lin was delighted to get on and off court within the hour. I really enjoyed todays match, he said. I am very happy that I managed to minimise my opponents performance. It was good to get it done quicker today and I expect to perform fully to my 100 percent tomorrow. In the semi-finals, he clashes with the new world No.1 from South Korea, Son Wan Ho. Lins first world medal was a silver in 2005 -- he then won the title in 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2013. For Son, it is the prospect of a first major title that spurs him on. He cruised past Kidambi Srikanth 21-14, 21-18. Today I am really happy with my performance and to reach my first world semi-final, he said. I will now prepare really hard for my match against Lin Dan. In the bottom half, Chinas defending champion and Olympic gold medalist, Chen Long, will meet the last European hope, Denmarks Viktor Axelsen. Axelsen needed three games to overcome Chou Tien Chen 21-18, 20-22, 21-16, but Chen beat compatriot Tian Houwei much more easily, 21-12, 21-17. In the womens singles, Okuhara will meet Indias Saina Nehwal - she knocked out local hope Kirsty Gilmour - and Chen Yufei continued to knock out higher seeds. Following her win over favourite Akane Yamaguchi on Thursday, the teenager came from behind to beat Thailands Ratchanok Intanon.