Lin Dan dumped out of World Badminton

AFP, NANJING (CHINA): Badminton legend Lin Dan's bid for a sixth world title met a sorry end as the man widely regarded as the best player of all time was well beaten by Chinese compatriot Shi Yuqi in the last 16.

The 34-year-old “Super Dan” was the most high-profile casualty on a day when men's number one and reigning champion Viktor Axelsen of Denmark and women's number one Tai Tzu-ying of Taiwan both progressed in Nanjing.

Lin, a two-time Olympic and five-time world champion, may be reaching the end of his career but he remains the biggest draw in badminton.

The crowd willed him on against his younger opponent Shi, 22, but Lin bowed out with a whimper, 21-15, 21-9.

Shi, the third seed, joins Axelsen and Japan's strongly fancied Kento Momota in the quarter-finals of the World Championships.

The 24-year-old Axelsen pulled through against 10th seed Angus Ng Ka-long of Hong Kong and will play China's Olympic champion Chen Long in a mouthwatering showdown.

Axelsen admitted that he was not at his best -- so it helped that he was able to draw on the crowd, who have taken to the Dane partly because of his efforts to learn Chinese.

Having a good grasp of Mandarin helps in a sport where many players are Chinese or of Chinese descent.

Axelsen has been learning for about four years and can give interviews in the language.

He has even taken to translating for his rivals and he can also listen in on the tactics of his Chinese opponents.

“It really helps me communicate with my Chinese fans and I really appreciate all the support out here,” he told AFP.

Lin Dan dumped out of World Badminton

AFP, NANJING (CHINA): Badminton legend Lin Dans bid for a sixth world title met a sorry end as the man widely regarded as the best player of all time was well beaten by Chinese compatriot Shi Yuqi in the last 16. The 34-year-old Super Dan was the most high-profile casualty on a day when mens number one and reigning champion Viktor Axelsen of Denmark and womens number one Tai Tzu-ying of Taiwan both progressed in Nanjing. Lin, a two-time Olympic and five-time world champion, may be reaching the end of his career but he remains the biggest draw in badminton. The crowd willed him on against his younger opponent Shi, 22, but Lin bowed out with a whimper, 21-15, 21-9. Shi, the third seed, joins Axelsen and Japans strongly fancied Kento Momota in the quarter-finals of the World Championships. The 24-year-old Axelsen pulled through against 10th seed Angus Ng Ka-long of Hong Kong and will play Chinas Olympic champion Chen Long in a mouthwatering showdown. Axelsen admitted that he was not at his best -- so it helped that he was able to draw on the crowd, who have taken to the Dane partly because of his efforts to learn Chinese. Having a good grasp of Mandarin helps in a sport where many players are Chinese or of Chinese descent. Axelsen has been learning for about four years and can give interviews in the language. He has even taken to translating for his rivals and he can also listen in on the tactics of his Chinese opponents. It really helps me communicate with my Chinese fans and I really appreciate all the support out here, he told AFP.