"Super Dan" suffers quarterfinal exit at badminton worlds

PARIS, Aug. 27 -- Three-time world champion Lin Dan of China was stunned by South Korea's Park Sung Hwan in the men's singles quarterfinals at the Badminton World Championships here on Friday.

The 13th seed Park upset Olympic champion Lin 21-13, 21-13, leaving Lin in his first failure at the World Championships since 2006.

"He played very well but my performance was below par," said Lin. "I made many mistakes during the match. Maybe I was not patient enough."

Park, 25, lost twice at the men's team event Thomas Cup finals this May, but dominated the encounter firmly on Friday. He had never render the lead to Lin after 2-2 tie in the opening set, then dropped the third seed behind comfortably after the 8-8 tie in the second set.

"I didn't felt regret, because I have never anticipated to clinch a four consecutive win at the World Championships," said the long-time top shuttler in China. "I just want to play well in every match."

Park is going to face Taufik Hidayatat from Indonesia as the former Olympic and world champion edged out World No.1 Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia 21-15, 11-21 and 21-12.

(Xinhua)